10,000 jaywalkers fined in Capital
abu dhabi — Over 10,400 pedestrians were penalised for jaywalking on the internal and external roads of the Capital in the last two months, according to Abu Dhabi Police.
Besides, 1,083 motorists were fined for not slowing down or stopping at pedestrian crossing areas during the same period.
As the new figures surfaced, the Abu Dhabi Police issued fresh directions for motorists to reduce speed at zebra crossings and give priority to pedestrians at uncontrolled crossing areas. They also appealed the pedestrians to avoid crossing the road from undesignated areas.
Police said drivers should stop at pedestrian crossing areas, be tolerant and give way to pedestrians when safe to do so at uncontrolled crossings and near schools as well as educational institutions.
Major Abdulla Al Qubaisi, head of traffic control department at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, said drivers should give way to pedestrians at crossing areas and at traffic signals so as to improve safety on the roads.
“Motorists must comply with traffic signals and drive at appropriate speeds, which should be well below the speed limit near pedestrian crossings,” said Al Qubaisi. Not giving way to pedestrians carries a Dh500 fine and six black points. Those caught stopping at crossings and obstructing pedestrian movement face a Dh400 fine and three black points.
Al Qubaisi also urged pedestrians to use the zebra crossings and footbridges on various roads in the capital and to avoid crossing roads from undesignated areas to avoid accidents.
“Pedestrians should use the designated crossing points properly, obey signals at controlled crossings and be vigilant,” said Al Qubaisi.
Plainclothes police officers are carrying out random inspections and hand out fines to jaywalkers especially in Abu Dhabi city.
Police said jaywalkers are fined to discourage people from crossing roads from non-designated areas as such acts put lives in danger.
Road attitude Why hurry and be sorry on the road? Pedestrians and motorists does not have the right to own the roads. So motorists, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. While pedestrians need to develop a habit of crossing from designated areas, motorists have to stop at designated crossings for them; who have the right of way. Jaywalkers are putting their lives at risk when they dart across the road. Road behaviour is about developing the right attitude which demands loads of patience.
Motorists must comply with traffic signals and drive at appropriate speeds, which should be well below the speed limit near pedestrian crossings.” Major Abdulla Al Qubaisi, head of traffic control department, Abu Dhabi