KT file photo
Dubai - There has also been a significant improvement in the traffic situation and road congestion
Published: Wed 28 Feb 2018, 8:18 PM
Updated: Wed 28 Feb 2018, 11:02 PM
The road accident death rate per 100,000 vehicles was just one death last year in Dubai, according to Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai.
This was revealed during a road safety panel discussions which sought suggestions to reduce accidents and traffic congestion in the coming years in the emirate.
A series of transport projects and systems - such as flying taxis, smart light signals, smart parking and environmentally-friendly transport routes were among the key ideas suggested by the experts who attended the discussions to reduce accidents and traffic congestion.
Abdulrahman Al Bastaki of the RTA, explained the traffic safety strategy for Dubai 2017-2021, explaining that it has four main axes: traffic control, road engineering and vehicle engineering, and traffic awareness.
He said that the death rate for road accidents per 100,000 population was 3.2 deaths in 2017, while the number of runover deaths per 100,000 population was 0.8. In the context of the traffic safety strategy, RTA is particularly focusing on pedestrian safety: by 2023, the number of pedestrian crossings and subways in Dubai is scheduled to reach 169.
> What is the most popular service among residents?
Traffic information and inquiry service of Dubai Police
> Do people used the app to report accidents?
Yes, 35,000 people used the app to report minor accidents
> What are the intelligent traffic systems at RTA?
Smart parking, smart pedestrian signal, intelligent street lighting, smart road shopping and smart interactive boards in school areas
> Can we expect more pedestrians crossings in Dubai?
By 2023, the number of pedestrian crossings and subways in Dubai will reach 169
|
Salah Boufrousha Al Falasi, head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution, said "there was a gradual drop in the traffic deaths index, and he said that the 90 accused were referred to the traffic court in the past year."
Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police for Operations Affairs, said these future projects will contribute towards reducing accidents and traffic congestion, adding that it is also the responsibility of road users, who need to promote traffic culture.
As of late, there has been a significant improvement in the traffic situation and road congestion, and it is likely to continue to improve with new AI- and other technological developments, to be implemented during the next phase, Maj-Gen Al Zafin said.
Brigadier General Khaled Nasser Al Razzouqi, general manager of the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Police, said that the most popular app used by residents is the Traffic Information and Inquiry Service, with about 1.8 million users, while 4.47million customers benefited from the geographical positioning service to avoid congested places and check alternative routes; 35,000 used the app to report minor accidents.
Mohammed Al Ali, director of Intelligent Traffic Systems at RTA, said that the authority has completed the implementation of smart parking, smart pedestrian signal, intelligent street lighting, smart road shopping and smart interactive boards in school areas
Maitha bin Udai, executive director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), said the reliance on smart projects during the next phase will reduce reliance on human force in registering violations and encouraging the use of mass transit.
She noted that the authority promotes the use of environmentally friendly transport, and has an integrated plan to establish safe bicycle tracks on main roads and in residential areas, in addition to plans to preserve the environment.
amira@khaleejtimes.com
Who is accountable for death of foetus?
Salah Boufrousha Al Falasi, head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution, elaborated on the legal situation surrounding certain complicated and sensitive accident cases.
For instances, in those involving pregnant women who cause accidents, and if the death of the foetus inside her womb occurs, the assessment of the error in these cases depends on the nature of the accident, its cause and age of the foetus.
The mother will be held legally responsible if she caused the foetus' death unintentionally, and bear 20 per cent of the blood money, as per the UAE law.
E-Paper
Sign In
0°C 
