A total of 17,467 people were fined for using a mobile phone while driving in Abu Dhabi during the first seven months of the year.
The Dh200 fines, along with 4 black points, were issued by the traffic and patrols directorate at Abu Dhabi Police.
Major Abdullah Al Suwaidi, director of severe accident investigation branch, said using a mobile phone while driving causes a loss of concentration on the road which leads to serious accidents.
He urged motorists to refrain from using mobile phones while driving to guarantee their safety.
Meanwhile, more than 28,000 tickets were issued for jaywalking in Abu Dhabi during the past eight months. Police released the figure while launching a new campaign to encourage safe crossing by pedestrians.
Colonel Mohammed Sultan, head of traffic investigations, said the campaign would focus on heavily frequented commercial areas such as markets and malls.
He said patrols would be deployed around pedestrian subways and bridges to encourage people to use them. Pedestrians found jaywalking face Dh100 fines.
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