Dubai steps up drive against drink driving

Dubai Police have planned an awareness campaign to help reduce the number of road fatalities caused by driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). According to the police, the number of fatalities caused by this violation increased from four in 2010 to 13 in 2011. Motorists who do not appear to be in control of their vehicle will be stopped and tested by the authorities. Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said the alarming increase in the number of road deaths and injuries caused by DUI is a cause of concern. "We had to take immediate action by cracking down on people who endanger their lives and the lives of other by driving when they are unfit to do so," Maj Gen Al Zafein said. The plan is not to randomly stop cars and carry a breathalyser test on motorists, but to ensure that anyone who does not appear in control of his car will be stopped and tested. "Some people have more tolerance to alcohol than others, and although it is banned by the law to drive after consuming alcohol, our main target is the drivers who cause accidents because they are drunk," he said. If a car is seen swaying, it will be stopped and the motorist will undergo a breathalyser test if he or she appears to be under the influence of alcohol. "Our patrols will spot any abnormal behaviour among drivers that may pose a danger on the road, although not always caused by consuming alcohol. The driver may suddenly feel unwell in some cases and lose control of his car, which is equally dangerous to road users," he said. Casualties Between January and November 2011, DUI caused 317 accidents involving 557 cars and left 13 fatalities and 71 injuries to 51 motorists, 30 passengers and three pedestrians. In 2010, DUI resulted in 334 accident involving 631 vehicles, which caused four deaths and 80 injuries to 42 drivers, 38 passengers and four pedestrians. "Our role is to ensure that people arrive safely to their destination, and to this effect we will step up awareness campaigns in 2012 and cooperate with all sides that help us fulfil our obligations," Maj Gen Al Zafein said. The campaign includes working closely with hotel employees. If a person is seen unfit to drive his vehicle, hotel employees should offer to hire a taxi. According to a hotel manager, people in Dubai are now more aware of the zero-tolerance policy towards DUI. "On New Year's eve, our parking [lot] was almost empty because most people decided either to take a taxi home or get a room," Francois Galoisi, general manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, said. "Our staff will stop serving alcohol before a guest gets drunk, not just to protect them on the road but also to avoid any fights or damage to hotel property. This is standard practice in most hotels in many countries," he said. As reported earlier, 748 out of 922 defendants who were involved in traffic cases and had their licences revoked and/or suspended last year, were found to be under the influence of alcohol, according to Senior Chief Traffic Prosecutor, Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution.