In 2016, a total of 198 road fatalities were recorded in Dubai, out of which 49 deaths were caused by under one-year-old driving license holders. These deaths have exceeded 32 killings that took place in 2015. The tragedies occurred mainly because of the motorists’ negligence and abrupt changing of traffic lanes.
Major General Muhammad Saif Al Zafein (Dubai Police Assistant Commander in Chief for Operations) said that 24.7% road deaths were caused by Asians. He also told us that new drivers are not exclusively young drivers. They are 20 to 40 years old. Statistically, Indian and Pakistani motorists killed 12 people each, whereas Emiratis were responsible for 3 deaths.
The statistics also reveal that the drivers with more than 16 years of experience caused 24 deaths this year in comparison to 18 in 2015. It was also learnt that the new drivers responsible for road fatalities were either heavy truck drivers or delivery bikers, who spend most of the time out on the roads.
Major General Al Zafein has brought into light some preventive measures to avoid future road misfortunes. As Asian drivers were guilty for most of the killings, their embassies will be asked to provide them with safe driving lessons. Moreover, Dubai Police is analyzing the causes of traffic accidents frequently to lessen the road deaths. They will launch safe driving campaigns soon to educate young generation in educational institutions.