Recent observations by drivers have highlighted reckless behaviours exhibited by pedestrians and electric scooter users while crossing roads across various regions in the UAE. These behaviours pose significant dangers, leading to potential accidents, traffic disruptions, and collisions due to sudden stops.
Reckless Crossing Behaviours
According to several drivers interviewed by Emarat Al Youm, the most concerning behaviours include unexpectedly crossing streets without regard for oncoming traffic, being preoccupied with mobile phones and social media while using pedestrian crosswalks, walking exceedingly slowly, and failing to use designated crossing areas. Furthermore, electric scooter riders often speed across pedestrian crossings, creating confusion for drivers.
Authority’s Response
The Abu Dhabi Police have reiterated the need for adherence to pedestrian crossing rules and traffic signals. They emphasise that electric scooter users must comply with traffic regulations and designated pathways for their vehicles.
Drivers’ Experiences
Ahmed Hussein, a driver, shared his frequent encounters with danger while driving due to pedestrians crossing the road with their eyes glued to their phone screens. He pointed out that some individuals wear headphones, completely oblivious to their surroundings. He also noted the hazards posed by slow-moving pedestrians on crosswalks, which often force drivers to slam their brakes suddenly, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
Echoing his sentiments, Sultan Ahmed stated that the most pressing issue is the sudden and fast movement of electric scooter riders who do not pause or slow down at pedestrian crossings, leaving drivers little time to react. He stressed that safe crossing requires scooter users to dismount and walk their scooters across the pedestrian line, a practice that remains infrequent.
Non-Compliance with Safety Measures
Amira Ahmed highlighted that despite awareness campaigns by the relevant authorities on the importance of safe crossing practices, some pedestrians choose to skip designated bridges and underpasses for the sake of convenience. This reckless behaviour places drivers in genuine peril, particularly on high-speed roads where a sudden appearance of a pedestrian can result in catastrophic accidents.
Readers have reacted to videos shared by the Abu Dhabi Police and the Monitoring and Control Centre, depicting real incidents where pedestrians were harmed on roadways due to drivers failing to stop at designated crossings, as well as cases of reckless jaywalking. Abu Dhabi Police urges both drivers and pedestrians to follow road safety regulations and warns of the risks associated with crossing roads in undesignated areas.
Call for Caution
Authorities have called on drivers to remain vigilant for pedestrians and to reduce speed when approaching crossing zones. Pedestrians are encouraged to utilise designated crossings, bridges, and underpasses, while adhering to pedestrian traffic signals to enhance their safety and that of all road users.
Legal Consequences
The Federal Traffic Law stipulates penalties for pedestrians not adhering to traffic signals or crossing roads outside designated areas, imposing a fine of AED 400 for endangering themselves and other road users.
Summary from Drivers
- Drivers frequently face dangerous situations due to pedestrians focused on their mobile phones.
- Some pedestrians wear headphones, oblivious to surrounding traffic.