Fewer pedestrian deaths and injuries on Dubai's roads last year

Run-over accidents killed eight people in the emirate and police booked 43,817 for crossing roads at undesignated points

The number of injuries and deaths involving pedestrians on Dubai's roads declined last year. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Eight people died in run-over accidents in Dubai last year, as fatalities more than halved compared with the year before.

There were 320 such accidents in the emirate in 2023, police said, a decline from 364 run-over accidents in 2022, which killed 20 people.

Accidents injured 339 pedestrians last year, compared with 398 the year before.

Police also said 43,817 people were booked for crossing roads at undesignated points, known as jaywalking, with the highest number recorded in September.

We are intensifying our campaigns and patrols

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei

"Our primary goal at Dubai Police is to ensure our roads are among the safest in the world,” said Maj Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director of Dubai Police’s Traffic Department.

“It's disheartening to see that, despite our continuous efforts in raising awareness, some pedestrians still engage in risky behaviours.”

Last year's injuries included 33 described as serious, 155 moderate, and 151 minor cases, Dubai Police figures show. In 2022, there were 29 serious injuries, 183 moderate, and 166 minor.

Maj Gen Al Mazrouei added that people have been spotted sleeping under parked lorries, or climbing street barriers.

“These actions not only endanger themselves but others too," he said. “We are intensifying our campaigns and patrols to monitor and control these violations."

Police urged members of the public to adhere to traffic laws for their safety.

"Pedestrians must use designated crossing points, bridges, or tunnels on internal roads. It's a legal requirement, and violators are subject to a fine of Dh400,” Maj Gen Al Mazrouei said.

According to a road safety statistics report by the Ministry of Interior, the UAE recorded 343 road fatalities in 2022.

The breakdown shows that Abu Dhabi reported 127 deaths and 1,756 injuries, while Dubai had 120 fatalities and 2,161 injuries.

Ras Al Khaimah recorded 34 deaths and 411 injuries, Sharjah had 33 fatalities and 320 injuries, while Ajman had 13 deaths and 166 injuries.

Umm Al Quwain recorded 12 fatalities and 46 injuries, and Fujairah reported four deaths and 185 injuries.

The full 2023 breakdown has yet to be released.