Cops send out signal to red light jumpers

Undercover patrols putting spotlight of the law on motorists to reduce fatalities.

Police in Abu Dhabi have urged motorists to slow down as they approach traffic signals to avoid causing serious road accidents.

The call came as statistics revealed that six people have died and two others were seriously injured in 65 road accidents this year that were the result of drivers jumping red lights in the capital.

Lt Col Mohammed Rashid Al Shamsi, head of the traffic control section at the traffic and patrols directorate, said: “Drivers should reduce speed as they approach traffic signals and abide by traffic rules to avoid accidents.”

Al Shamsi said that motorists must stop their vehicles completely at red lights, or if the amber light is on, and wait until the signal changes from red to green before they enter the junction.

Traffic police have intensified patrols on the roads, especially at signal junctions, to curb the number of people jumping red lights.

They warned that officers in patrol vehicles and unmarked cars will be strictly monitoring the roads to catch the traffic violators.

“The initiative is part of a media campaign, with the slogan ‘Your Safety’, launched by the police recently,” Al Shamsi said.

The campaign, which includes several traffic awareness initiatives, is being organised in coordination with the public relations section at the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate.

The Tathqeef (education) patrols and other traffic patrols are taking part in the campaign by distributing awareness leaflets and advising motorists on the risks of jumping a red signal, as well as the need to pay attention and reduce their speed when they approach traffic lights.

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