Police are warning motorists to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the New Year. The warning comes after the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate revealed sobering statistics about last year’s cases involving driving under the influence.
“During the first ten month of 2013, from January to 31st October, there were about 57 reported accidents which resulted in three deaths and five serious injuries. Between the years 2010 and 2012, driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any other intoxicants resulted in 219 accidents, 23 deaths, and 36 serious injuries,” said Brigadier Engineer Hussain Ahmad Al Harthi, director of Traffic and Patrol Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police.
Police have pledged to increase the number of patrols and traffic officers on both internal and external roads on the lookout to spot drink drivers and motorists under the influence of drugs or other intoxicants.
Al Harthi stressed that motorists driving under the influence will be dealt with strictly and shall be prosecuted, as their cars will be confiscated for two months and their licenses will be suspended.
Not only do drivers using intoxicants pose a danger to themselves, but they also pose a threat to other innocent motorists on the road. Using chemicals to reduce their levels of awareness and perception, these drivers are unable to drive safely or react properly in emergency situations.
“Safe driving requires full awareness, consciousness and the ability to quickly respond to any unexpected dangers on the road,” said Al Harthi. Adding that motorists driving under the influence tend to be highly prone to accidents that lead to deaths and injuries.
Police are also advising parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and protect them against the dangers of peer pressure while also advising people taking medications that lead to drowsiness to avoid getting behind the wheel.
