Reducing Traffic Accident Casualties by 15% and Injuries by 19% in 3 Years

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - March 6, 2016 -[ME NewsWire]:

Traffic accident casualties decreased by 15 percent, and serious injuries by 19 percent, while accidents decreased by 13 percent in the three years between 2013 and 2015 in Abu Dhabi. These numbers were revealed by Brigadier Eng. Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Director General of Central Operations at Abu Dhabi Police, who confirmed the positive impact of using smart technologies in safety indicators.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi pointed to the positive results due to the move towards modern technologies to promote traffic safety and the continuation of developing supporting systems and programs to implement best international practices. He also noted the use of artificial intelligence, interconnectivity and integration between various systems to provide sustainable traffic safety and avoid the causes of accidents, which result in casualties and serious injuries.

He pointed to the role of the Smart Traffic Systems Center in the integration of those systems, through the full assessment, analysis, and recalibration of the traffic system. The center monitors traffic flow at all times through the control rooms that are equipped with the latest technologies, thus solving issues related to traffic congestion. The center also monitors the roads in order to avoid confusion or congestion likely caused by traffic diversions and heavy vehicles on the road.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi mentioned that the Abu Dhabi Police is continuing its plan to employ innovative technologies to promote traffic safety as Abu Dhabi transforms into a smart city. The police are launching the "Smart Police Officer" project, a system based on individuals using advanced technologies which enable communication. This helps to develop individual performance, and measures their productivity through smart indicators. It also motivates them to raise the levels of traffic safety, monitor their fitness, provide them with work out schedules to promote fitness, and provide smart communication.

He explained that the "Smart Police Officer" project provides a package of creative services through the smart patrols and the smart bike; including issuing e-tickets and helping individuals to more accurately and efficiently perform the tasks assigned to them. This is done through direct inquiry about various traffic data in a secure technological manner, which works on transferring data between electronic mobile devices and traffic controls.

He mentioned that the systems are monitored and managed through the Smart Traffic Systems Center, which will be a key element in making the city of Abu Dhabi a secure smart city. The center will combine the data from the various systems affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and then analyze this data continuously. It will give the best solutions and orders to reach the highest levels of effectiveness and efficiency in decision-making.

Brigadier Eng. Al Harithi explained that the center is linked to several systems such as the "Smart Towers" system which will alert drivers on motorways through changing electronic messages, "catching red light runners," "traffic safety management," "analyzing traffic accidents," "smart traffic awareness," and "diversions and heavy truck management."

He noted the implementation of a future vision by establishing a unit for research and development that works on receiving and developing internal and external research to develop future projects. This will happen through cooperation with partners and universities to develop innovative traffic projects that aim to raise the level of traffic safety to make roads safer.

He called on the segments of the society, governmental entities and the private sector on the occasion of the 32nd GCC Traffic Week, organized under the slogan "Your Choice Determines Your Destiny," to be eager to activate the mechanism of community partnership, and recognize its importance in building a bridge of communication with the various segments of the society and those responsible for committing negative traffic practices. He acknowledged their positive role in bringing fundamental change and full traffic advancement for the purpose of preserving lives and property.

-Ends-

Source: Abu Dhabi Police GHQ

Contacts:
The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department 
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-666-4891
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

© Press Release 2016