Police tell jaywalkers not to play with their lives as well as others
Police urge pedestrians to think before crossing the road from undesignated areas
who just don’t understand the dangers even after being close to death before. As strange as it may sound, a swimmer drowned after police had rescued him the same day in waters off a Dubai beach. After two policemen rescued him, the man returned to the water after some time and drowned.
“We pulled him out of the sea twice but he insisted on swimming and finally drowned. It is related to people’s mentality and cultural background.”
During the awareness campaign police patrols will explain safety measures to beachgoers for one week. Police will also use social media platforms to tell public about the safety measures to be followed while swimming in the open beaches.
Police also warned swimmers against venturing into water when the red flag is raised during rough weather conditions.
When the yellow flag is raised, people should swim with caution and follow the lifeguards’ instructions.
Swimmers are also advised not to swim close to the rocks or outside the safe zone. In most of the open beaches in Dubai, areas for swimming have been marked through floating buoys and ropes.
Attempting to cross the street against busy traffic is a deadly game that continues to claim the lives of Dubai residents, said police.
While jaywalking may seem a harmless way to save a little bit of time in the day, Dubai Police are telling residents in no uncertain terms that they are taking their lives in their hands whenever they do not cross at clearly delineated zebra crossings or wait until the way is free of traffic.
To emphasise the message, Dubai Police launched an awareness campaign highlighting the fact that 49 people were violently struck and killed by motor vehicles in run-over accidents in 2016.
Colonel Jasim Khalil Mirza, director of the Security Awareness Department at Dubai Police, said the campaign will continue for two weeks.
“Last year, we recorded 357 run-over accidents resulted in 49 deaths and 377 people injured. Most of the accidents happened at night. We want people to be more careful when crossing the road and only use the designated areas to cross. Think before crossing the road from undesignated areas,” Colonel Mirza said.
Police issued 77,016 fines for jaywalkers last year compare to 64,620 fines in 2015.
Dubai Police said 14 run-over incidents happened in Muhaisnah 2 area, 13 on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and 10 in International City.
Dubai Police will use social media networks to promote the campaign by posting videos and pictures to get the message out.
“People shouldn’t cross until the road is clear. People should follow traffic signals and cross from designated areas,” Colonel Mirza added.
The fine for jaywalking in Dubai is Dh200 while the penalty for not giving way to pedestrians is a Dh500 fine and six black points.