RTA installs emoji speed signs outside schools
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has installed friendly “smart signs” near schools for parents on school runs and other motorists passing through the area.
The signs have digital screens that capture and display the speed of drivers as they pass through a school zone, along with a sad emoji or a happy emoji.
A driving tip, such as “slow down” or “thank you”, will be displayed under the emoji.
Maitha bin Adai, chief executive of the authority’s traffic and roads agency, said phase 1 of the project had been introduced in five areas – Muhaisnah 1, Al Mazhar, Al Wasl, Al Garhoud and Al Safa.
The areas were chosen because of the number of drivers caught speeding there in recent months.
“The smart signs are devices equipped with digital screens capable of capturing and showing the driving speed as the vehicle passes through a school’s zone, along with emojis that depict the driver’s mental state while driving,” Ms bin Adai said.
“A smiling face indicates the driver is complying with the speed limit, while the frowning face means the driver has exceeded the speed limit.
“Then the smart signs display either tribute remarks, alerts or warnings indicating to drivers the speed limit.”
The signs were introduced
A smiling face indicates driver is complying with the limit. The frowning face means the driver has exceeded the limit MAITHA BIN ADAI Chief executive, RTA traffic and roads
after scientific studies and are aimed at reducing accidents.
They will be installed in other areas in phase 2 of the project, in areas determined by the type of road, the number of schools in the area and the number of speeding tickets issued.
The smart signs are part of an initiative to eliminate crashes and cut road deaths in school zones to nil, Ms bin Adai said.