Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: File
As Dubai continues to enhance daily transportation for all residents, the emirate regularly implements infrastructure improvements and enforces penalties for those who violate its stringent safety regulations. Recently, Dubai introduced a new traffic law detailing penalties for 14 distinct violations, including increased fines for jaywalking and 30-day vehicle impoundment for offenses like using a phone while driving, tailgating, and sudden lane changes.
On Sunday, Dubai Police announced that Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, had reviewed the operations of the General Department of Traffic, commending their efforts in ensuring road safety and security. The department provided Al Marri with an overview of strategic indicators aimed at reducing road accident fatalities per 100,000 residents. This strategy involves leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and relying on qualified experts to manage traffic effectively.
The reduction of traffic fatalities is a shared objective across the UAE. In September, Sharjah Police reported a 15% decrease in fatalities per 100,000 residents during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, along with a 9% decline in traffic accidents per 10,000 vehicles.
During his annual inspection visit to the General Department of Traffic in Dubai, Al Marri also reviewed the traffic violation statistics for 2023, identifying areas with the highest violations, the most common offenses, and the types of vehicles frequently involved. Additionally, he assessed the performance of various enforcement teams, including those dedicated to pedestrians, public transport, and bicycles and scooters.
In early October, residents welcomed the lifting of the e-scooter ban in the Metro by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. Both e-scooter users and transportation experts praised this decision, highlighting its practicality, efficiency, and economic benefits.
Al Marri also learned about the traffic campaigns conducted over the past year, which addressed issues such as pedestrian safety, sudden swerving, back-to-school safety, speeding dangers, maintaining safe distances, and the Ramadan Without Accidents initiative. The number of beneficiaries from these campaigns reached 125,393, including 29,455 who attended traffic lectures and 95,938 who visited exhibitions and police stations. Moreover, the General Traffic Department participated in 432 events this year, including 194 official processions.
At the conclusion of his visit, Al Marri honored the collaborators and partners of the General Traffic Department for their significant contributions to the success of its events, programs, and initiatives.
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