Dubai is a world-class city with an excellent road infrastructure. With zebra crossings, designated spots, subways and pedestrian bridges built all over the emirate, it is shocking that as many as 13 jaywalkers lost their lives in 114 accidents during the first four months of 2017.
That is a very high number and points towards a blatant disregard for road and safety rules. Not surprisingly, most fatalities on the road are a direct result of human error. Part of it is also ignorance of the law.
To drive home the message, Dubai Police had launched several awareness campaigns last year, highlighting the dangers of jaywalking. Time and again, the importance of precaution, vigilance and adherence to traffic rules are explained to both pedestrians as well as motorists. Stiff penalties have also been put in place. The fine for jaywalking in Dubai, for instance, is Dh200, while penalty for not giving way to pedestrians is Dh500 and six black points.
Even then, accidents involving pedestrians keep taking place at regular intervals.
While the authorities are doing everything in their capacity to minimise mishaps with regard to jaywalking, the onus still lies with the public. All pedestrians must make sure they use designated spots for walking and crossing the roads, even the internal roads of Dubai.
It is true that the fear of the law is a strong deterrent to curb misdemeanours, but respect for the law is a stronger social response to eliminate them entirely. Let’s make a sincere effort to make the roads of the UAE safe for all.
