(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Twelve workers injured after a bus they were travelling in veered off the road and rammed into a palm tree here on Wednesday morning.
Col Ali Saeed Al Alkeem, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at RAK Police, said the central operations room was alerted about the accident at 7.30am on Wednesday. "All the workers in the bus sustained several injuries and fractures, some of which were medium and others were serious," Col Al Alkeem added. The 12 Asian workers were shifted to the nearest hospital in a record time as the traffic patrols, ambulances, paramedics, and rescue teams rushed to the site. "Initial assessment shows bus driver was so inattentive that he lost control over the steering wheel and caused the accident." The accident file was referred to the traffic prosecution for due legal action. "All drivers are urged to attentive on the road, and never distract their attention with anything while on the wheel." Col Alkeem said that the emirate has seen 218 traffic accidents during the Eid Al Fitr holidays. "Three people were killed in three separate accidents and five others were injured; two received serious wounds, two medium, and one minor." "The cars involved in these mishaps veered off the road, and turned over several times." As per a tougher unified traffic law with higher fines and a black points system enacted in 2008, erring motorists across the UAE will be penalised with up to 24 black points, following which they lose their driving license. Driving callously costs the driver Dh2,000, 12 black points, as well as the impoundment of the vehicle for 30 days, he warned. "Not carrying a driving license or using a horn in a disturbing way draws a fine of Dh100." All members of the society have to observe traffic rules "particularly the speed limit on all internal roads and highways," Col Alkeem said. NUMBER BLURB 218 accidents were reported during the Eid Al Fitr holidays in Ras Al Khaimah Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.