Over 4,000 motorists in Abu Dhabi booked for jumping red lights

A total of 4,367 drivers were fined on various roads of Abu Dhabi for jumping red lights during the first six months of 2019. The new figures also show that drivers jumping the red light signal have caused the death of six people and injuries to 54 others in 52 crashes during the same period.

Police investigations suggested that most drivers were jumping red light signal because of driving at excessive speed so they can cross before it turns red, recklessness and inattentiveness while behind the wheels. "Running a red light is one of the most dangerous traffic violations, as proven by the deaths and serious injuries in accidents due to that violation," said police.

According to traffic officials, jumping the red signal always lead to collisions with vehicles coming from other directions, often opposite or perpendicular. "Drivers usually increase speed while approaching the traffic lights so they can cross before it turns red.

They overlook moving cars on other sides," said a police officer.

The fine for jumping red signal is Dh1,000 and 12 black points, and confiscation for 30 days. The fine for heavy vehicles for the same violation is Dh3,000 with their licence suspended for one year.

The Abu Dhabi Police had introduced no-flash cameras at intersections of various Abu Dhabi roads to capture offences such as running red lights, wrongful use of lanes, vehicles trespassing over pedestrian lines, excessive speed and making turns or U-turns from unspecified lanes.

Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of Road Safety UAE, said it is important for motorists to pay attention to traffic signals, and watch out for vehicles ahead that may brake hard. According to Road Safety UAE, more than seven per cent of all accidents causing major injuries or death in the UAE are due to red light jumping, which happens at more than 70,000 times a year.