Dubai: Speeding led to 52 accidents involving seven deaths and 43 injuries in Dubai between January and September this year, police said on Sunday.
The numbers were announced during the launch of an annual Dubai Police ‘Speed Kills’ campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of speeding,
Dubai aims to achieve zero road fatalities for every 100,000 people by 2020.
Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Assistant to Dubai Police Chief for Operations Affairs and Head of the Federal Traffic Council, said that the index is now 2.7 road fatalities out of every 100,000, a decrease from three last year.
The campaign’s slogan this year is ‘Don’t let speeding turn you into a killer’. The campaign was first launched in 2010.
In 2014, there were 63 speeding-related accidents, in which nine people died and 83 were injured, an increase from six deaths, 37 injuries in 48 incidents in 2013.
Maj Gen Al Zafein said speeding in general is dangerous, but speeding 40km/h or more above the speed limit could be fatal.
“When a person is driving 40km/h over the speed limit, the driver is no longer in control of the vehicle, but the vehicle is driving him. At this speed, the driver’s reflexes may not be fast enough to prevent an accident,” he said.
Speeding is dangerous even if the driver is wearing a seat belt and that is why everybody should follow the speed limit.
In addition to brochures and presence at different malls, AutoPro, one of the sponsors, will distribute stickers about the campaigns at its outlets.
Burhan Al Hashemi, managing director of Enoc retail, said that his company regularly implements campaigns to educate motorists about road safety.
“AutoPro places a strong emphasis on road safety.,,and we are proud of our collaboration with Dubai Police. This campaign will play a key role in raising awareness about the risks of speeding and reckless driving,” he said.
Al Khail Road, Umm Suqeim Road, Meydan Road and Lehbab Road saw the majority of speeding-related fatalities.
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