Source: Emarat Al Youm – Dubai
Surveillance cameras connected to the traffic operations room at Dubai Police documented an incident that nearly turned into a tragedy. The footage showed a mother pushing a baby stroller across a pedestrian crossing on a side road in the emirate. Before she could reach the other side, a vehicle sped along the road, ignoring the obligation to give priority to pedestrians.
In a similar incident at another location, a girl sustained serious injuries while crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing, after a driver failed to yield to pedestrians. She was immediately transferred to the hospital for treatment.
The Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, Brigadier Juma bin Suwaidan, called on drivers to reduce speeds and fully commit to giving pedestrians priority while crossing roads. He emphasized that pedestrian safety is a strategic priority, and that granting them the right of way is not limited to marked crossings, but also requires constant awareness of them on internal and residential roads.
He explained that failing to give priority to pedestrians in designated crossing areas exposes the driver to a fine of AED 500, in addition to six traffic points, due to the direct danger it poses to lives.
This call followed a collision on an internal road in the Al Yalayis First area (Mira Community), between a vehicle and a bicycle, caused by the driver’s failure to give priority while crossing. The cyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
He stressed the importance of drivers exercising the highest levels of caution and avoiding distractions while driving, especially in residential areas and pedestrian crossing zones. He affirmed that adherence to traffic laws and responsible behavior behind the wheel represent the first line of defense in protecting lives and preventing unfortunate accidents.
Dubai Police has developed a smart, solar-powered device equipped with sensors that can detect pedestrian movement on both sides of the road and record vehicles on video to document violations. It is also linked via a technical system to the traffic violations processing platform.
According to Dubai Police, the device emits a light signal to alert drivers to stop and give priority to pedestrians. If a driver fails to stop, the vehicle is recorded and a traffic violation is issued against the driver.