Dubai: The death rate of fatal road traffic accidents in Dubai has declined by 40 per cent in the first six months of this year as compared to the same period last year, according to Dubai Police.

Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Assistant Commander-in Chief for Operational Affairs at Dubai Police and Director of the Federal Traffic Council, said they recorded 77 deaths from 1,395 traffic accidents in the first six months in 2017 compared to 112 deaths for the same period last year.

“More police patrols and crackdowns on reckless drivers helped to reduce the number of death this year compared to 2016,” Maj-Gen Al Zafein said.

According to official statistics by the traffic department, sudden swerving caused 307 accidents and 17 road fatalities and injured a further 262 others.

“Sudden swerving is one of the most dangerous offences on our roads. Many drivers change their lanes without using indicators or notice to other road users. The fine in the past was Dh200 but in the new traffic law, the fine is Dh1,000 as we want to tackle the offence and make people think before changing their lanes in a dangerous way,” Maj-Gen Al Zafein added.

Not leaving enough distance between vehicles caused 302 deadly accidents in the first half of this year — 19 people were killed while 238 were injured.

“Every three minutes a minor accident happens in Dubai because of not leaving enough distance between vehicles. It is a dangerous offence too as it can cause death as well,” he said.

Maj-Gen Al Zafein said the new traffic law, which started on July 1, will help to reduce fatalities on the roads.

“We want to reach three deaths for every 100,000 people by 2021. The new traffic law aims to reach that goal. After one or two years, the rate of deaths on the roads will be less because tougher fines mean reckless drivers will behave,” Maj-Gen Al Zafein added.