A young Filipina died from a fatal hit-and-run accident in the UAE last August 23 (Friday). The accident took place late at night at Shamal intersection in Ras Al Khaimah.
According to eyewitness reports, two Filipinas were crossing the road when a car ran over them, dealing them fatal injuries that killed one of them, while the other was left with several serious injuries. Responders at Saqr hospital also confirmed that one of the two victims was seriously injured while the other was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Filipina Killed, Friend Injured in Fatal Road Accident in UAE
After the police received a report on the incident, the central operations room immediately dispatched traffic patrols, ambulances, paramedics and rescue teams to the reported site, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.
As per police respondents, “The pair was transferred to Saqr hospital for treatment and medical care, but one of them did not make it and was declared dead shortly after they arrived.”
The case was referred to the concerned authorities for the investigation to determine the causes behind the fatal road accident.
In line with this, the Ras Al Khaimah Police urge pedestrians to cross the road from designated areas, particularly during the night because of poor visibility.
The police said, “They should also make sure the road is clear and safe to cross. Drivers also need to observe the speed limit and be focused on the road.”
Furthermore, pedestrians and bikers should always be given priority on the road, mainly on the zebra crossings.
In the UAE, “a fine of AED 500 and six black points shall be imposed on any driver who doesn’t give priority to pedestrians, as per Article 43 of the federal traffic laws,” the police noted.
Earlier this year, a 31-year-old Asian man was killed after a 39-year-old Gulf national, driving a white Nissan Patrol, ran over him in Ras Al Khaimah.
Also, back in April, an 11-year-old Asian teenager was killed when an SUV car driven by a 23-year-old Emirati young man ran him over.
According to a US study, road accidents were the second highest cause of death in the UAE in 2017, with 1838 deaths.
Acknowledging this fact, the UAE leadership, through the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the Police are exerting immense efforts to raise awareness about safety on the road and how to avoid accidents.
Of note, the UAE targets to bring down the mortality rate from road fatalities by as much as 3% per 100,000 population by 2021.
ALSO READ: 5 Most Dangerous Roads in the UAE