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29 March 2024

40 kids below 15 years died in traffic mishaps

Published
By Staff

At least 40 children in the UAE below 15 years died in traffic accidents last year. About 506 children were injured in mishaps, reported 'Al Bayan'.

According to the Ministry of Interior statistics 60 children were seriously hurt, 206 suffered medium injuries, and ‬240 minor cases were reported last year.

Most fatalties were among children below eight years of age. Brigadier Ghaith Al Zaabi, Director-General of Traffic Coordination, Ministry of Interior, said: "Allowing children under the age of 10 to sit in the front seats is a clear violation of traffic rules. Motorists caught driving with kids in front seat will be fined Dh400 and four black points."

At least nine children below one year died last year and 36 others were injured. While, five children below the age of five lost their lives in accidents last year and 41 in the age group were injured. 

According to the World Health Organisation report on traffic safety for children, use of seat belts can mortality rates to 70 per cent among infants mortality; to 54 per cent among children between one and six years. Eighty per cent children can be saved in case of a collision, if seat belts are used.

Meanwhile, 743 adults lost their lives in traffic accidents between January and November last year. This was 15 per cent less than 877 people who died in the same period in 2009.