Image used for illustrative purposes. Photo: File
As the UAE continues to upgrade its infrastructure, a recent federal traffic law now prohibits pedestrians from crossing roads with speed limits of 80 kilometres per hour. Offenders will soon face severe penalties, including imprisonment for at least three months and a fine of no less than Dh10,000. Motorists have expressed support for this measure, citing numerous close calls they've experienced on highways.
Drivers on busy highways are increasingly aware of the risks posed by pedestrians attempting to cross these high-speed roads. 'It's crucial for drivers to stay alert, even on highways where you wouldn't expect someone to cross,' said Ahmed, a local motorist from Dubai. 'At 80 kmph, a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to devastating outcomes. I've witnessed near misses that could have easily resulted in serious accidents.'
On October 25, the UAE Government introduced a new federal decree law on traffic regulations as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the country's legislative and legal framework. This law encompasses comprehensive regulations for all types of vehicles, their drivers, and pedestrians on the road. Crossing from undesignated areas on any road is now also subject to higher fines.
Currently, such violations are penalized with a Dh400 fine. However, under the new law, jaywalkers could face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 if their actions lead to a traffic accident. Zain Osama, a 20-year-old resident of Sharjah who frequently uses Ittihad Road, highlighted the dangers of pedestrians crossing the busy highway. 'It's very dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists,' she said. 'It's a highway with 6 to 7 lanes, and sometimes you can't see pedestrians coming. Hitting the brakes or slowing down is a significant risk due to the high speeds of vehicles.'
Zain also noted that while the city has constructed walking bridges, many pedestrians still opt to cross from the middle of the road. 'I believe more awareness campaigns and the installation of cameras for better regulation are necessary,' she added. Sara Mohamed, an Abu Dhabi resident, recounted a recent accident where she struck a pedestrian dragging his e-scooter on the crosswalk while the traffic light was green. 'I will never forget that day; although the pedestrian was unharmed because I wasn’t driving fast, I still can’t understand why he chose to walk during a green light,' she said.
'I always watch out for pedestrians, especially near intersections,' she explained. 'But sometimes, they don’t seem to grasp how fast we're going.'
Many residents are calling for the construction of additional footbridges to enhance safety. 'We need more footbridges to ensure everyone can cross the road safely,' said Fatima Ahmed, a Sharjah resident. 'It's not just about convenience; it's about saving lives.' Another pedestrian, Khalid, echoed similar sentiments. 'I avoid crossing busy roads whenever possible. It's too risky. I've had close calls and know others who have been injured. More footbridges would promote safer behavior and significantly reduce accidents.'
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