The Ministry of Interior has urged vehicle drivers to follow traffic rules and regulations and adhere to established speed limits on roads to avoid accidents and the resulting injuries and losses during the Eid al-Adha vacation.

Brigadier Ghaith Hassan Al Zaabi, Director-General of the Traffic Coordination Department at the Ministry, has asked drivers not to use their cell phones to reply to Eid greetings or check social media sites while driving. He also highlighted that taking photographs while driving is a violation of safety instructions and can lead to accidents.

He emphasised the importance of following traffic guidelines, especially around commercial malls to avoid putting the lives of others at risk; using the indicator while changing direction; leaving appropriate distance between vehicles; and parking in the right areas in public parking lots.

Traffic departments in the country will intensify patrolling on different internal and external roads during the Eid vacation that normally witnesses increased traffic, particularly near butcher shops, said Al Zaabi, adding that the goal is to guarantee smooth traffic, reduce traffic jams, and deal with emergency cases.

He underscored the importance of moving cars involved in accidents away from the road to avoid blocking traffic, in implementation of the strategy of the Ministry of Interior aimed at making roads safer for users.

He also asked drivers not to use parking places allocated for people with determination, civil defence personnel and ambulances; to follow speed limits, especially on external roads; to use seat belts; and ensure children under 10 years of age not sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.

Brigadier Al Zaabi also congratulated citizens and residents on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.