The Federal Traffic Council in the UAE identified eight reasons for traffic accidents during the summer period, which caused fatalities over three years (2018-2020). The leading cause is sudden vehicle deviation, accounting for 27.7% of deaths (28 cases), followed by insufficient distance at 18.8% (19 cases), failure to yield to road users at 14.9% (15 cases), and tire bursts at 3%. A study by Dubai Police indicated that negligence and distraction resulted in 11 fatalities over three years, speeding caused three fatalities, standing in the middle of the road led to four deaths, and other reasons accounted for four more cases.
Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations and Head of the Federal Traffic Council, stated that the death rate due to traffic accidents has decreased from 30 deaths per 100,000 population nationwide 15 years ago to three or four deaths currently. He noted that the UAE has become a country that the generations take pride in, having transitioned from one of the countries facing high road fatality rates.
This information was shared during a press conference yesterday to announce the launch of the fourth unified traffic awareness campaign for 2021, under the slogan "Safe Summer Traffic." The campaign aims to raise traffic awareness among all community segments, enhance compliance with traffic laws, and contribute to reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic violations.
Al Zafin added that the summer period accounts for between 25% and 30% of road fatalities nationwide, with high temperatures being a primary factor. Proper vehicle maintenance is essential to reduce the incidence of traffic accidents and fatalities. He pointed out that "Safe Summer Traffic" reflects the strategy of the Ministry of Interior to make roads safer, aligning with the police leadership's vision for achieving the highest levels of traffic safety for all road users. The campaign emphasizes the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, ensuring tire safety, and brake functionality to protect road users, especially since high summer temperatures negatively impact vehicle and tire performance, necessitating adherence to maintenance schedules, particularly before embarking on long trips.
A study by Dubai Police revealed a decline in the number of fatalities from traffic accidents during the summer over the past three years, with 37 traffic deaths in 2018, 33 in 2019, and 31 in 2020. Three roads recorded the highest fatality rates over the past three years: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with 20.8% (21 deaths), Emirates Road with 12.9% (13 deaths), and Sheikh Zayed Road with 7.9% (eight deaths). The Al Rashidiya area had the highest number of fatalities, followed by Bur Dubai and Jebel Ali.
