UAE: Traffic offenses rise during iftar rush

On the first day of Ramadan, a rise in traffic offenses — mainly speeding and tailgating — was documented across the country, resulting in accidents that slowed traffic to a crawl, according to authorities on Sunday (April 3). According to authorities, police radars recorded a 'huge number' of automobiles speeding their way to Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates approximately two hours before Iftar, as many locals rushed home to break their fast with their families. From Dubai to Sharjah, bottlenecks were seen as early as 1 p.m., with many crashes causing bumper-to-bumper traffic between 3 and 7 p.m. On the Ittihad Road, Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, and other major highways in Sharjah, such as in Al Wahda, a number of small incidents have been reported. Heavy traffic snarled the Ittihad Road between Deira City Centre and Sharjah's Taawun Interchange. More police officers have been stationed The tremendous Iftar rush on Ramadan's first day prompted the police to deploy a larger fleet of patrols across the Emirates to boost safety and traffic flow. Dubai Police urged motorists to be patient, to drive safely, and exercise restraint. A thorough traffic and security strategy was built up in Sharjah. “The plan includes increasing the number of patrols on highways, intersections, roundabouts, shopping areas and crowded places in all parts of Sharjah city. The traffic department is making every effort to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and prevent accidents and violations that are usually seen during Ramadan,” claimed Brig Dr Ahmed Al Saeed Al Naour, director-general of the Central Operation at the Sharjah Police. Sharjah's patrols will also be patrolling the neighborhoods, keeping an eye on the security situation, and providing assistance to the people. To avoid accidents near residential structures, internal roads, and public parks, Brig Al Naour asked community members to take caution and not let their children leave the house, especially before Iftar. During the holy month in Ajman, more than 40 patrols were deployed to monitor roadways 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The majority of the accidents documented by the Ajman Police, according to Lt-Col Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of the traffic and patrols department, were caused by speeding during the Iftar rush. Since the first day of Ramadan on Saturday (April 2), 72 police patrols in Ras Al Khaimah have been on the roadways. The Ras Al Khaimah Police Commander-in-Chief, Maj-Gen Ali bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, said that these officers had been on the lookout for irresponsible drivers on the roadways and in areas such as markets, and residential neighborhoods, and other key locations. Maj-Gen Al Nuaimi reassured the public that they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to all inquiries and emergencies. 999 is a 24-hour emergency number. Safety reminders for drivers and residents during Ramadan — Be patient while on the road — Avoid leaving the office between 4 and 6.30 p.m. as much as possible. — Always adhere to the posted speed limits. — Maintain a safe gap between yourself and the car ahead of you. — At home, don't let kids run about on the streets, especially during Iftar rush. KMB/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube 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