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According to statistics issued by the Traffic Coordination Directorate General at the Ministry of Interior, the number of traffic accidents of different types across the country dropped by 28 accidents in the first half of the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, compared to the same period in 2012. A total of 119 accidents were reported in the first half of Ramadan this year, compared to the 147 accidents in the same period last year.
Statistics also showed that crash accidents dropped by 11 accidents, whereas 73 accidents were reported in the first half of Ramadan compared to 84 last year. Turnover accidents witnessed a slight increase of 5 accidents, rising from 19 accidents in the first half of Ramadan 2012 to 24 accidents this year. Run-over accidents however, witnessed a noticeable decrease by 21 accidents, dropping to 20 from 41 last year.
Moreover, statistics provided a comprehensive classification of traffic accidents, whereas all accidents other than crash, turnover and run-over accidents, were placed under the category Other Accidents. These other accidents represent a small percentage of the total number of traffic accidents, and amounted to 2 accidents during the first half of Ramadan in 2012 and 2013.
Brigadier Ghaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director General of the Traffic Coordination Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, said: “Despite the decrease in the number of traffic accidents across the country, the number of deaths increased by 7 cases; a total of 28 deaths were reported during the first half of Ramadan this year, compared to 21 last year. However, injuries of all kinds dropped by 47 this year, and amounted to 174 simple, moderate and severe injuries compared to 221 during the same period in 2012.
According to Brigadier Al Zaabi: “The increase in the number of deaths during the first half of Ramadan this year, compared to the same period last year, is due to the severity of the accidents, which occur due to over speeding, and failure to observe traffic laws and regulations, such as crossing red lights and lack of concentration while driving.”
He added: “Traffic accidents of all kinds, and their resulting deaths and injuries, as well as traffic violations, are the natural results of the increasing movement of vehicles on the country’s roads. The Traffic and Patrols Departments in the country are diligently endeavoring to train and qualify thousands of people wishing to obtain driving licenses, as one of the most important requirement for economical and social development across the country.”
Brigadier Al Zaabi called upon motorists to observe traffic laws and regulation and legal speed limits, in order to avoid the risks of traffic accidents, and their repercussions.
He stressed the importance of complying with traffic laws and regulations, driving carefully, keeping a safe distance between vehicles, avoiding traffic disruption due to random parking at public parking spaces. He warned them against parking in spaces dedicated to people with special needs, civil defense or ambulance and rescue teams, to avoid hampering their work in emergency cases. He urged motorists to avoid using their mobile phones while driving, whether to talk, SMS or chat.
Brigadier Al Zaabi explained: “Using hand-held mobile phones while driving is a violation to the law, due to its great danger to the life of motorists and road users alike. Using hand-held mobile phones to talk, text or chat may distract drivers and reduce their concentration and reactions, thus leading to traffic accidents.”
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