13 jaywalkers killed in 114 accidents

DUBAI POLICE RECORD 37 DEATHS IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF YEAR

First quarter of this year witnessed 37 deaths on Dubai roads, compared to 53 last year |

D ubai Police have recorded 37 deaths in traffic accidents in the first four months this year, compared to 53 deaths last year, an officer said yesterday.

The first quarter witnessed 37 deaths and 492 injuries in traffic incidents in Dubai, compared with 53 deaths and 514 injuries in 2016.

The traffic figures were revealed during a meeting chaired by Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander in Chief of Dubai police. Sudden swerving, speeding, not leaving enough distance between vehicles, crossing red signal and being inconsiderate to road users were the top causes of accidents leading to deaths.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of Traffic Department in Dubai police, said jaywalking was major problem this year as 13 people died and 124 injured in 114 run-over accidents this year.

“Despite our campaigns to raise awareness and punishing jaywalkers with tickets still some people cross the roads from non-designated spots. They don’t know how dangerous it is to commit such an offence,” Brigadier Al Mazroui said.

According to official stats, Dubai police fined an average of 265 jaywalkers daily in first four months of this year.

“We fined 23,543 jaywalkers in the first quarter this year compared to 21,802 during the same period last year. The law prevents pedestrians to cross the road if its speed limit is more than 80km/h but we still see people crossing highways,” he added.

He said that even on internal roads, pedestrians must cross the road from designated spots, subways or pedestrians bridges.

Brigadier Al Mazroui said that seven people ware killed in road accidents on Emirates Road, 6 on Shaikh Zayed Road and three on Dubai-Al Ain Road during the first four months of this year.