SHARJAH // Fifty people were killed in run-over accidents in Sharjah over 13 months.
Sharjah Police said that it registered 11,343 offences from pedestrians crossing roads at undesignated areas from January 2016 to the end of January 2017.
The incidents led to the deaths of 50 people while severely injuring 22 and causing moderate and minor injuries to 163.
Run over accidents cause the greatest number of road deaths in the emirate, according to Brigadier Saif Mohammad Al Ziri, commander-in-chief of Sharjah Police.
“Its a problem we mainly face on highways like Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates bypass and near industrial areas,” he said.
Police carry out a number of awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of crossing the road at designated areas and abiding by traffic rules to ensue the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike.
Areas where street cricket is played are also focused on by police as potential areas where dangerous road crossing could take place, Brig Al Ziri said.
Captain Mohammed Allawi said police had taken measures to reduce the number of pedestrian road deaths.
“We launched safe crossing points, installed railings and bumps following a detailed study to shortlist the streets where most accidents happen,” Captain Allawi said.
Nearly 800 jaywalkers were fined Dh200 each during the same period.
