Road users must learn to respect pedestrians

SHARJAH // Motorists are urged to exercise caution near crossings after a recent study by the Police Research Centre showed an increase in run over accidents blamed on drivers not giving way to pedestrians.

On King Faisal Road, several raised pedestrian crossings were installed with warning signs instructing motorists to give way to pedestrians. However, many drivers ignored the signs, which forced people to take dangerous risks to cross the road, residents said.

Egyptian Ahmad Khaled said that he did not wait for the cars to stop.

“I know it is dangerous to do this. However, motorists are not stopping and giving way for us,” said the 26-year-old, who added that he waited for a couple of minutes before stepping on to the road.

Palestinian motorist Y M said that he is aware that he should stop, but often only notices warning signs late.

“They should install traffic lights like on Corniche street in Sharjah. That way, motorists are forced to stop and give way to pedestrians,” the 33-year-old accountant said.

Indian R M, who dodged traffic as she ran across the busy road, said that to save time she does not bother going to the pedestrian crossing.

The 25-year-old housewife said that she is frustrated by the lack of respect drivers show to pedestrians.

Fatima Hassan said she can spend up to five minutes waiting for the road to clear before crossing.

“I am afraid of getting hit by a car, and I don’t have the guts to force myself to cross the road in traffic,” said the 36-year-old housewife, who added that she, too, is frustrated by a lack of respect for pedestrians.