As part of its participation in the World Anti-Drugs Day

Abu Dhabi Traffic: Motorists Mental State Often Leads to Accidents

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Thursday, July 4th 2013 [ME NewsWire]: Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harthi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Directorate  at the Abu Dhabi Police indicated that motorists' mental fitness  and psychologicalstate can often have  a direct impact on traffic accidents in a number of cases, namely; drug and alcohol consumption; medications that cause drowsiness; psychological problems and pressures of life.  “Such conditions can lead to serious accidents, as motorists may not be able to respond positively to any eventual surprises on the roads,” he said.

In his statement, on the sidelines of the directorate's recent participation in the World Anti-Drugs day celebrations, Al Harthi said: “Exhaustion is a key factor that affects safe driving. People who work during the whole day are bound to be physically and mentally exhausted at night. This often leads to lack of concentration and slow reactions, ultimately causing traffic accidents.”

“The Ministry of Interior follows a traffic safety strategy through legislations that impose severe penalties and fines on motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Persons caught driving under the influence could get 24 black points, and have their vehicles confiscated for up to 60 days, and may be referred to prosecution. Moreover, the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at the Abu Dhabi Police is implementing extensive awareness programs to raise awareness on the need to be cautious and to concentrate while driving; to avoid driving after taking medications that cause drowsiness; and to avoid driving if motorists suffer psychological problems that could affect concentration ,” he added.

For his part, Major Khalid Mohammed Al Fil, Head of the community-based initiatives team and liaison officer for social responsibility policy at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police, said: “The directorate took part in the celebrations marking the World Anti-Drugs Day, recently organized by the Abu Dhabi Police at the Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in BaniYascity under the slogan (Be in a Good Company… Say no to Drugs). During the celebrations, brochures were distributed to raise awareness on traffic safety; to urge motorists to adhere to traffic laws and regulations, and to acquaint them with the risks of driving in cases of exhaustion or drowsiness.  Moreover, through its participation, the directorate was keen to introduce community members with its community-based initiatives to reduce traffic accidents under the slogan (Together).”