Traffic accidents across the UAE dropped by 23.52 per cent in the past three years; from 6700 accidents in 2011 to 5124 accidents in 2013, said a top government official.

Due to this significant decline, the number of traffic accident fatalities dropped from 720 in 2011 to 651 fatalities in 2013, a drop of 9.58 per cent, added Brigadier Gaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director General of the Traffic Coordination Department at the Ministry of Interior.

“While serious injuries because of traffic accidents dropped from 7808 to 7743, a drop of 0.83 per cent compared to the same period,” he added during a press conference ahead of the Unified GCC Traffic Week 2014 opening today (March 9) kicks off across the country and GCC states under the slogan "Your Safety is Our Goal".

Brigadier Al Zaabi added that the strategy adopted by the MoI to reduce traffic accident fatalities has improved road safety in the country during 2013. The traffic-related fatalities rate in the UAE was 6.52 per 100,000 people; accordingly, the UAE was cited as having a high proportion of fatalities caused by road accidents, among nations with the most car-accident deaths in the world.

"Traffic indicators have witnessed a significant decline across the country during 2013, thanks to the police leadership’s directives and its constant follow-up," said Brigadier Al Zaabi.

He noted that the MoI is exerting significant efforts to reach an average of 5.50 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the 2014-2016 strategy, prior to achieving an average of 3 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021.

He explained that the GCC Traffic Week aims at promoting traffic education and intensifying efforts to reduce road accidents, and it engages all segments of society.

He mentioned that a large number of authorities concerned with traffic safety will take part in this campaign, to guarantee a safe environment and accident-free roads, through a number of traffic-related initiatives to raise awareness among motorists.

Brigadier Al Zaabi noted that the events will be promoted through different media outlets, such as radio stations, newspapers, magazines, TV channels, as well as the internet, to reach the largest number of people. The campaign’s slogan will be posted on a number of websites and social forums, along with statistics on traffic accidents, the relevant legal material, and details of the media campaign on other media outlets.

Radio talk shows will be scheduled and will host a number of officials from the Traffic Directorate. The shows will answer any queries by the public regarding the campaign’s slogan, explain the relevant laws, and highlight the media efforts by all concerned parties.

They will also highlight the role of the Ministry of Interior and other institutions concerned with the campaign. Campaign-related posters, brochures, and awareness leaflets will be distributed in a number of public places. – TradeArabia News Service