Smart systems to make roads safer in UAE

Dubai - Technology is one of the most important ingredients in enforcement of road safety rules.

From driving on the fast lane while leaving the indicator on to applying brakes while a car is following close behind, UAE road users are constantly faced with unruly behaviour from their co-drivers on a daily basis.
"One of the things that annoys me the most is the unnecessary tailgating and the flashing when you don't move out of the first lane on any major highway. I don't understand why people need to flex their muscles on the road - you're playing with lives," said Devika Vinayak, a Dubai- resident and professional in the events industry.
She added: "Sometimes, I've noticed people drive recklessly even though they have children in their cars. I've seen kids in front seats and not wearing seatbelts." Residents like Devika opine that more needs to be done to enforce better driving etiquette among UAE residents. 
"The use of technology and the announcement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch a Dh590 million project for a smarter traffic system is an excellent way forward to ensure safer roads," said Devika's husband Vinayak Sid, a businessman based in Dubai.
"Installation of better infrastructure ensures safety. I won't have to worry, or think twice about the safety of my family when I am driving. Radars and other enforcement tools also hold people accountable," he added.
Technology will ensure ?road safety
Following the RTA's announcement for a Dh590 million project to expand its smart traffic systems, road safety experts are saying that the project is not just a massive government investment to manage traffic bottlenecks and accidents. "It was designed taking into consideration all 4 E's of road safety - education, enforcement, engineering and emergency care," said Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE.
He added: "Technology is one of the most important ingredients in enforcement of road safety rules. Going forward, technology will play the most important role in road safety."
While announcing the new smart traffic project, Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said: "It envisages increasing the smart system coverage of Dubai roads network from the present 11 per cent, to 60 per cent.
"Due to the massive nature and technical sophistication of the project, the initial stage will be split into five key bundles. The first covers traffic monitoring and data capturing systems, such as cameras, vehicle detection devices, as well as Bluetooth devices and weather sensors," Al Tayer added.
Dynamic messages to help motorists in real time
The second bundle relates to information signs (dynamic messages), which involves the installation of 112 signboards providing instant information to drivers about road conditions, while the third bundle involves building the infrastructure, such as civil works, fibre optic lines and electricity distribution networks. The scope of these works involves the extension of lines spanning over 400km.
Speaking about the use of dynamic messages on the roads, Edelmann said: "Technology like that will communicate with motorists in real time. For example, while driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, if motorists are told through road signs that they need to look out for fog, they will manage expectations better."
He added: "The messages are also a good way to educate motorists. If they see overhead boards that says buckle up, or use an indicator or suffer a Dh400 fine, driving behaviour automatically changes. Reaching out to them real time helps them take informed decisions while they are on the road."
Residents speak
Indian businessman Jaleel Panambarath said: "I grew tired of driving in Dubai. I have been here for 30 years and the drivers' behaviour is very difficult for me to cope with. I only drive on Fridays when the traffic is less and there are no bottlenecks. Otherwise I use public transport or ask my son to drop me places. 
"The introduction of smarter radars and cameras, especially on key highways like Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, or Sheikh Zayed Road is very important. I am glad the government is doing so much to fix these issues."
Another resident Ali Busaidi said: "More needs to be done to get youngsters to drive carefully. I've noticed some of them drive at 80kmph in residential areas, putting the lives of families at risk. Hopefully, the use of technology will help the traffic department enforce tough penalties against such drivers." 
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com