48,000 jaywalkers fined in Abu Dhabi in one year

Abu Dhabi - Police said crossing from non-designated areas is one of the main causes of run-over accidents.

Last year, 48,000 pedestrians were fined after being caught crossing the road from non-designated areas or not using the zebra crossings on Abu Dhabi roads.
Jaywalking is a dangerous act and to curb it, the Abu Dhabi Police have launched a new campaign 'Safety Path'. They have called on pedestrians to use footbridges, tunnels and zebras, and follow the traffic lights at intersections.
Police said crossing from non-designated areas is one of the main causes of run-over accidents. This risky practice is punishable by a fine of Dh400.

Plainclothes officers are carrying out random inspections and handing out fines to jaywalkers in Abu Dhabi and on the city outskirts, including the roads near workers' accommodations.
Traffic authorities have also warned pedestrians against using mobile phones, including chatting or writing text messages, while crossing the roads.

Police stressed the need for drivers to give way to pedestrians at uncontrolled crossings and near schools and educational institutions.
"Drivers should also comply with traffic signals and drive at appropriate speed," said the police.

Not giving way to pedestrians entails a Dh500 fine and six black points.

Last year, the Abu Dhabi Police introduced new smart radars to detect jaywalkers and drivers who don't stop at pedestrian crossing points.

Police said the smart radar system 'Hather' (Be Careful) controls violations committed by jaywalkers and drivers so as to reduce the number of pedestrian run-overs in Abu Dhabi.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi