Dubai: A total of 225 pedestrians and cyclists were hit by motorists in Dubai during the first seven months of the year, killing as many as 25, Traffic Police said on Monday.
The numbers were revealed after Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of the General Directorate of Traffic at Dubai Police, distributed fluorescent green vests to pedestrians and cyclists on Monday. He urged them to wear these so they could be spotted by motorists.
“The vests may protect pedestrians and bicycle users from risks and traffic accidents,” he said. “It helps draws attention to them at night. There have been a number of casualties due to some motorists ignoring road regulations and laws.”
Col Al Mazroui pointed out that the campaign comes after an increase in the number of deaths resulting from run-over accidents in 2015.
“We hope these vests will help curb the horrifying number of deaths of pedestrians and cyclists,” he said. “However, it is also up to them to follow certain regulations for their own safety. People should only cross the street via dedicated zebra crossings or pedestrian bridges.”
Traffic police said that almost 200 cases of pedestrians being run over were recorded in the first seven months of this year. As many as 20 were killed and 199 were injured, of whom 25 sustained serious injuries, 79 moderate injuries and the rest minor injuries.
As many as 21 cyclists were also involved in road accidents during the same time span. Five were killed and 16 were injured, and two sustained serious injuries.
Col Al Mazroui urged motorists to be careful and pay attention to their surroundings while driving.
“Such accidents can be avoided with a bit of attention,” he said. “Motorists should pay attention to their surroundings, especially in residential areas where children are likely to ride their bicycles. Children do not have sufficient experience in cycling to ensure their own safety. As such motorists should be cautious in case one of them veers on to the road.”
