Abu Dhabi DUI crackdown: Medication warning

The Directorate of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police have warned against driving under the influence of alcohol or heavy medication.

The Police have launched a crackdown on motorists through an intensifying of patrols, aimed at nabbing those driving under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs.

Brigadier Hussein Ahmed Al Harthy, Director of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police, said that driving under the influence of alcohol or heavy medication during the first 10 months of 2013 led to 57 accidents resulting in the death of three people and wounding five seriously.

The number of traffic accidents between 2010-2012  totalled 219, which resulted in the death of 23 people, injuring 36 seriously.

Brigadier Al Harthy stressed the negative repercussions on the concentration of the driver that alcohol or even medication could have.

He warned that certain medications including tranquilisers and some pain relievers affect awareness of drivers leading to serious risks to other road users as well.
According to traffic law, driving under the influence results in the confiscation of the car for two months, withdrawal of license and a judicial trial.

Al Harthy also called on parents and families to control youth, so as to keep them safe from traffic accidents.

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