The objective of this study was to assess how high-speed driving of motor vehicles affects traffic safety in United Arab Emirates. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The motor vehicle accidents statistics used in this study were taken from the Ministry of Interior's Yearly Statistical Report and the Annual Reports of the Directorate of Traffic (Directorate of Traffic Annual Reports 1990 to 1998) and in collaboration with the Traffic Department, United Arab Emirates. The study was based on the collection of data about all fatal motor vehicle accidents that occurred in United Arab Emirates during the period 1 January 1990 to 31 December 1998. The effect of speed limits on motor vehicle accidents, casualties, and fatalities for the period 1990 to 1998 indicates that with the introduction of radar system and speed cameras in 1994, speeding declined significantly. Also, monitoring radar systems and video cameras reduced traffic accidents, casualties, and fatalities. Urban speed limits vary narrowly between 48 and 60 km/h and rural speed limits ranged between 70 and 140 km/h. In conclusion, motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United Arab Emirates. Simple measures such as the strict imposition of speed limits and the wearing of seat belts will be effective in reducing this substantial wastage of life and national resources. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting