Abu Dhabi is launching a raft of measures to reduce road accidents and foster safety
Roads in the capital continue to be dangerous because of speeding and careless driving. The data is damning: in the first four months of this year, 1,837 people in Abu Dhabi were caught driving over 200 kph. In Dubai, 2,419 traffic reports and 250 incidents were recorded during five hours on the first day of Ramadan. These statistics leave little wonder why road accidents are the second major cause of deaths in this country. Unfortunately, no amount of effort to tackle this driving menace yielded any significant result, although it’s clear where the problem lies and what needs to be done.
As The National reported yesterday, speed bumps and other measures to slow traffic will be installed across the capital over the next two years to reduce speed-related accidents. The safety plan also includes improvements for pavements and pedestrian crossings.
Officials have been working systematically on the plan by identifying specific areas where the majority of accidents take place. Accordingly, six warning signs have been installed on the city’s main streets to alert motorists to reduce speed in these areas. Khalifa City and Mohammed bin Zayed City will have their own road plans with roundabouts to be replaced by traffic lights and lighting, drains and pedestrian crossings installed.
However, more action is needed. The next phase of traffic safety measures should focus on better road signs at more frequent intervals, as well as an improved public transport that will encourage drivers out of their cars. After all, efficient public transport is the cornerstone of a modern and healthy city. Creating better transport infrastructure will ensure that the city not just meets the demands of residents but reduces accidents and congestion.
An increased and visible police presence that is actively enforcing traffic laws will do wonders for existing road safety measures. If road safety laws are ignored, police must act without hesitation – by impounding cars and revoking licences. The urban layout of Abu Dhabi is expanding and we must ensure that road safety measures are part of the changes underfoot.
