Abu Dhabi: A 19-year-old Arab national was killed in Al Ain Friday when a reckless driver rammed into him while he was standing on the median strip, the Abu Dhabi Police announced in a statement sent on Saturday (June 2).
The body of the victim was taken to the hospital within minutes of the incident, along with the driver who was responsible for the accident.
Colonel Ahmad Al Zuwaidi, director of traffic in Al Ain, said the driver had been racing with another motorist when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the divider. While the offending driver was treated while in police custody at the hospital, the other motorist who fled the scene was soon apprehended and arrested.
In the meantime, the police are now on the lookout for the residents who filmed the accident and shared it on social media.
The official added that the traffic police have also arrested other youths who were involved in organising these illegal races.
A number of them were on the scene when the accident happened, and may face legal action.
He also warned that it is prohibited to race, drive recklessly, speed, carry out stunts, drive without a driver's license or valid license plates, or alter vehicles to remove their silencers.
Traffic patrols will continue their supervision of the roads in order to curb hazardous traffic behaviours, Al Zuwaidi said, and remain especially vigilant at night.
Meanwhile, he called upon families to ensure safe driving behaviour in the late hours of Ramadan and on school holidays in order to avoid endangering their lives and that of other road users.
"The responsibility of keeping our roads safe is a shared one," he said.
