Speed kills 17 on Dubai's roads in nine months

High speed was the main reason behind the deaths of 17 persons on Dubai roads during the first nine months of this year.

This high number of deaths occurred despite a decline in the number of accidents due to speeding, which were 61 during this period compared to 76 incidents during the first nine months of 2009.

According to statistics of Dubai Police, accidents due to high speed account for only 3.2 per cent of the total number of causes, leading among which is sudden stopping of the car, jumping the red light and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Of the 61 incidents during the first nine months of this year, 30 occurred during the day and 31 at night. And 54 of these accidents led to casualties and deaths while seven did not cause injuries or deaths.

A total of 91 cars were involved in these accidents that caused injuries to 99 persons, including 17 deaths, while 13 persons were seriously injured, 28 moderately and 41 received minor injuries. The persons involved in these accidents were 51 drivers and 48 passengers.

According to the statistics, the number of fines issued against those who exceeded the speed limit had increased to 198,514 from 196,662 during the first nine months of the year 2010/2009, a rise of nine per cent.

Major General Mohammed Saif Al Zaffin, Director General Traffic Police Department of Dubai Police, said: “High speed is behind many accidents that result in deaths and injuries.”

He said high speed makes it difficult to control a vehicle in emergency situations and makes it hard for drivers to avoid collisions.

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