Dubai: A young man who was paralysed in a car racing accident was caught by Dubai Police participating in an illegal car race with others in modified vehicles, an official said on Tuesday.

Brigadier Abdul Raheem Bin Shafe’ei, director of Al Barsha police station, told Gulf News that the Emirati driver was using a stick to push on the accelerator during the race as he is unable to use his legs.

“We received a call about car racing by a group of youngsters with modified vehicles at Al Qudra road. Police patrols went to the road and arrested the group of drivers. One of the drivers has a disability in his legs and was using a stick to press the accelerator and brake pedals in the race,” Brig Bin Shafe’ei said.

400km/h

maximum speed that the driver’s modified vehicle could achieve

The Emirati, in his 20s, was driving a modified 4DW in the race when the police caught him with other motorists. They were taken to Al Barsha police station for questioning.

“It is a shocking incident as his disability was a result of a traffic accident in the past because of participating in a race of modified cars. He didn’t learn from that accident despite losing the functioning of his legs. The man is obsessed with racing,” Brig Bin Shafe’ei added.

The driver had modified his car to reach 400km/h but police were not sure of the maximum speed he was driving at when he was caught.

“Ninety per cent of the drivers who modify their cars are young Emiratis to indulge in stunt performances. Cars with 200km/h speed are modified to reach 400km/h and such cars then become killing machines.”

The police issued traffic fines to the driver with the paralysed legs and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

During a campaign against modified cars and reckless drivers who participate in illegal car racing, the police seized 89 vehicles last year.

89 vehicles seized by police for illegal racing last year

Lat month, the police launched a campaign under the slogan ‘Our Youths ... Our Treasure’ and it aims to educate young drivers of the dangers of modifying their cars. “These campaigns are aimed at saving lives of our youngsters and other road users. Modifying cars can cause deaths or injuries,” Brig Bin Shafe’ei said.

The law and penalties

According to the Federal Traffic Law, motorists who modify their cars or engine can be fined Dh1,000, and they may be slapped with 12 traffic black points. Police can confiscate the vehicle for 30 days.

Driving a vehicle causing loud noise can attract a fine of Dh2,000 and 12 black points.