Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Police have called on motorists to abide by traffic rules, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and show patience and restraint with other drivers during hours before iftar.

According to Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of the General Directorate of Traffic in Dubai Police, they recorded the death of three during the first ten days of Ramadan and the injury of 34 others in 47 different traffic accidents, compared to one death and 23 injuries in 29 accidents during the same period last year.

Al Mazroui pointed out that most serious traffic accidents and fatalities were caused by many drivers, who, as a result of tension and fasting, drive recklessly and commit serious violations such as excessive speeding, not leaving an adequate safe distance between vehicles, overtaking dangerously, driving when fatigued, and not adhering to lane discipline.

Iftar Meals

As part of Dubai Police's campaign 'An Accident-Free Ramadan', Al Mazroui added that they had distributed 63,800 iftar meals during the first ten of Ramadan to fasting motorists on roads at sunset before Al-Maghrib prayer to alleviate the sunset rush and raise drivers' awareness of safe driving.

Command and Control Centre

Colonel Turki bin Faris, Director of the Command and Control Centre in the General Department of Operations in Dubai Police, said during the first ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, they recorded 2,569 traffic reports and received 158,380 calls on the emergency number (999), and 21,865 calls via the (901) call centre.

He further indicated that the (901) call centre in the General Department of Operations also handled 2,456 emails and 2,917 inquiries via the "live chat" service available on the Dubai Police website.

Colonel bin Faris urged the public not to hesitate to reach Dubai Police via the emergency number (999) or the 'SOS' service via Dubai Police App in cases of emergency. Otherwise, the force strictly advises the emirate's citizens and residents to call 901 for non-emergencies and general inquiries.