The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate warned against the risks of driving in a state of extreme fatigue or drowsiness, indicating that, as part of the “Your Safety” campaign, 6 people were killed and 9 others seriously injured in 28 accidents last year, due to fatigue, sleepiness, or sleeping while driving on the internal and external roads during last year in Abu Dhabi.
Colonel Hamad Nasser Al Baloushi, Director of External Roads Traffic Department at the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate General, stated that fatigue is one of the major factors that affect the ability to drive safely. He added that motorists tend to feel more tired during night hours, because people who work all day are liable to feel worn out both mentally and physically at night, which weakens motorists’ ability to concentrate and slows down their reflexes.
Al Baloushi urged motorists to interact with the media campaign carried out by the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate, in coordination with the Security Media, at the Secretariat General of the office of H.H. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, under the motto “Your Safety”, by abiding with traffic law to ensure their safety.
He also called on drivers to stop their cars in a safe place outside the road and rest for a while if they feel tired or drowsy, to reduce accidents caused by fatigue and drowsiness. The human body has limited energy and overworking it may weaken the person’s ability to concentrate, thus increasing the chances of traffic accidents.
Al Baloushi further added that driving alone for long distances without other passengers is a risk, because drivers who spend long hours on the road at night are more likely to feel tired. Some may give in to sleep while driving, especially during regular sleeping hours, whether at night or the usual naptime during the day.
He advised drivers on internal roads to pay attention, watch the roads, and adhere to designated speed limit, in addition to using their seatbelt, which provides great protection in the event of car accidents.