Some motorists think using the CityGuard app to report dangerous driving should be done by passengers only. Silvia Razgova / The National
Some motorists think using the CityGuard app to report dangerous driving should be done by passengers only. Silvia Razgova / The National
Some motorists think using the CityGuard app to report dangerous driving should be done by passengers only. Silvia Razgova / The National
Some motorists think using the CityGuard app to report dangerous driving should be done by passengers only. Silvia Razgova / The National

With drivers’ assistance, mobile app will help police catch offenders


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ABU DHABI // A free mobile application to report traffic offences has brought mixed reactions from motorists and road-safety experts.

Residents have been asked to report offences such as stunts, overtaking on the hard shoulder and jumping red lights to the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of the Abu Dhabi Police via the CityGuard app.

"People will now be careful not to commit any violations," said Suresh Therayil, 40, a company messenger who drives a motorcycle. He also has a light vehicle licence. "If people report drivers who speed, make unsafe lane changes and run red lights, we'll have fewer accidents."

Junaid Jaan, 27, a company driver who has lived in Abu Dhabi for six years, agreed.

“Many drivers suddenly change lanes without using their indicators or checking their rear-view mirrors,” he said. “They also exceed the speed limit on Khaleej Al Arabi road and overtake on the hard shoulder. We should report them to the police.”

Receiving traffic reports through the CityGuard app was part of the Abu Dhabi government’s plan to encourage public participation in reporting various issues including traffic offences, Brig Gen Hussein Al Harthi, director of the traffic department, said.

The public should provide the plate number, type of vehicle, location and time of the offence.

“Public reporting using mobile phones is a common practice in western countries,” said Dr Oualid Ben Ali, an associate professor at the University of Sharjah, who developed a fog warning system using advanced mobile and smartphone technologies.

“I think such application can enormously improve the road safety because nowadays patrol cars, cameras and other devices are not enough to capture all the misbehaviour on the road. But we need to make people aware of the responsibility in using such an app so they don’t abuse it.”

Dino Kalivas, training and road safety adviser at Emirates Driving Company (EDC), said there was little evidence to suggest that citizens reporting driving offences reduces or contributes to road trauma reduction as statistics are difficult to obtain and many variables may contribute.

“Other countries have adopted similar systems around the world, and while initially creating much interest from the public, the actual incidents of reporting ‘violations’ as observed by other motorists is not sustained and the incidence of people to report reduces over time,” he said.

“The public believes, quite rightly, that the responsibility of law enforcement remains with those best qualified – the traffic police.”

In certain situations motorists who have attempted to report offences have also placed themselves at risk, as they distract themselves from having complete control over their motor vehicles, he added. A motorist who suffered whiplash injuries as a result of bad driving by a taxi driver said reporting traffic offences using the app was "not practical".

"It's worse than using a mobile phone while driving," said the 65-year-old British engineer. "Maybe the stipulation will be that it should be operated by a passenger or a driver of a parked vehicle.

Thomas Edelmann, founder of the website Road Safety UAE, said distracted driving must not be the effect when using the application.

“Passengers can use the app while driving, or the driver uses the app after driving, or when it is safe to do so.”

EDC recommends that passengers participate and use mobile devices to report traffic offences. “Even this practice has an element of risk because passengers may distract the driver, regardless if a vehicle is stationary or not,” said Khaled Al Mansoori, vice chief executive of EDC.

“Drivers should first and foremost take responsibility for their own actions.”

Respecting and obeying traffic rules, driving in a calm, rational manner, ensuring all occupants are wearing their seat belts, allowing an adequate stopping distance, and maintaining concentration should always be a priority, he said.

rruiz@thenational.ae

Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23

Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3

Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2

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THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

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The Lowdown

Us

Director: Jordan Peele

Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss

Rating: 4/5

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Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

Important questions to consider

1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?

There are different types of travel available for pets:

  • Manifest cargo
  • Excess luggage in the hold
  • Excess luggage in the cabin

Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.

 

2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?

If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.

If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.

 

3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?

As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.

If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty. 

If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport. 

 

4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?

This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.

In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.

 

5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?

Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.

Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.

Source: Pawsome Pets UAE