According to the recent figures issued by the Ministry of Interior, two people die in road mishaps in the UAE daily. Though the number of accidents in the country dropped from 4,796 in 2015 to 4,788 in 2016, the number of casualties has alarmingly increased. In 2016, an increase of 7.4 percent was registered with 725 casualties, compared to 675 casualties in 2015.
These figures are anticipated to see a further increase with more vehicles being added to the traffic fleet. Mishaps may happen, but deaths can be decreased with alertness and by following safety precautions while driving.
To help ensure the safety of motorists, the Dubai Government Workshop has recently issued a list of tips on how they can stay safe while they drive.
They are as follows:
Buckle up
Statistics reveal that seat belt crashes are a major cause of death. The injuries and casualties that occur yearly due to accidents could be cut down by approximately half if both motorists and passengers buckled up.
Be Sober
Never drive when you don’t have a clear head. Drugs and alcohol can severely impair your driving skills and over-the-counter medications can also cause extreme drowsiness. If you’re tired, it is also important to take a break by pulling over.
Don’t Drive Alone
Driving alone, especially at night, increases the chances of car crash. This is why it is advised to have someone with you when you drive to boost your overall alertness all throughout the journey.
Read the Labels When Taking Meds
Are you taking any meds? Take note that is it important to read and obey the warning labels, especially if they cause drowsiness. You can consult with a doctor or a pharmacist on the alternative medications that don’t cause this condition.
Allow Extra Time on the Journey
Even if you can get to your destination faster by car than by metro, it is important to give yourself additional time to reach your destination. This will help reduce the incidences of tailgating, excessive speeding and road rage.
Hot Cars
Never leave pets or children unattended inside the car even for a few minutes especially in summer as the risk of overheating is higher.
Be Particular with the Safety Features
When purchasing a car, whether it is new or pre-owned, safety should always be your number one priority. New cars are now mandated to have driver and passenger side air bags. Apart from these features, you should also check the type of safety systems in the car and choose the one that offers you and your passengers with ultimate safety.
By following these tips, any road mishaps will be prevented and the number of casualties in Dubai will dramatically be reduced.
Source: https://goo.gl/MJC47Z
