Abu Dhabi launches ''Traffic Safety '&' Security" Initiative to reduce accidents

Abu Dhabi (WAM): In order to reduce the traffic accidents involving taxis in the city by at least half, the Centre For Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars in the occasion of "Gulf Traffic Week" has launched a "Traffic Safety and Security" initiative for 2014. The initiative comprises a set of additional laws and regulations to be observed by all taxi operators and drivers in the city. It is a result of a series of studies on the traffic scenarios conducted by the Centre. In line with the collaborative efforts between the Centre and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, several rules and regulations have been issued to reduce traffic accidents involving taxi drivers, including the administrative decision No. 64 for the year 2013 which states that taxi operators must terminate the service of taxi drivers who cause traffic accidents and exceed their black points limit according to the traffic and licensing system. Other violations which result in the termination of the driving license include jumping a red light, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or similar substances, not stopping after causing an accident, in addition to reckless driving. Furthermore, the Centre is also holding taxi operators accountable for installing Parking Assistance/Reverse Sensors in all taxis; this is based on the fact that 10% of taxi traffic accidents were caused while reversing. Also, the maximum working hours of taxi drivers will be electronically set as to not exceed 8 hours per day as "Hired" status. When exceeding the speed limit, there will only be one warning/alert per day to the driver before getting fined. If a driver exceeds the speed limit by 20 km/h, the meter shuts down immediately and the driver gets a "call for investigation". The Centre has set numerous strategies geared towards encouraging and supporting taxi operators and drivers, whereby the Centre honours distinguished drivers from the various operating companies on a monthly and yearly basis, according to a set of criteria, on top of which is traffic safety. The Centre will also be setting a special index for traffic accidents which will now be included in the performance matrix of taxi operators in addition to launching campaigns to encourage customers to pre-book taxis so that the mileage travelled as well as potential traffic accidents by taxis are reduced. It is worth mentioning that all rules and regulations issued by the Centre have contributed in decreasing the number of traffic accidents involving hire cars as the kilometres travelled have also decreased. The Centre is committed to conducting studies and research that will help in achieving excellence and sustainability. In addition the Centre will coordinate with all relevant entities in Abu Dhabi to improve the quality of services offered. – Emirates News Agency, WAM