Runover accidents increase in Dubai

Jaywalking caused 166 accidents in the first five months of the year in Dubai, killing 21 people. According to the General Department of Traffic of the Dubai Police, 154 people were injured which included 22 severe injuries, 54 moderate and 78 minor injuries.

Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafin, Director of the General Department of Traffic of the Dubai Police, said those who cross roads from non-designated areas endanger the life of themselves and others.

The statistics show an increase in run-over accidents compared to the same period last year, which witnessed 152 accidents resulting in 14 deaths and 138 injuries.

He said that the main cause of the run-over accidents is negligence and the motorists who move between vehicles also caused such kinds of accidents.

The industrial areas and labour accommodation areas witnessed large numbers of run-over accidents, he said, adding that there were three run-over accidents in Al Quoz Industrial Area, six in Muhaisna 2, three in Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, three in Al Wasl Road, six in Al Satwa, three accidents in Dubai Investment Complex and four in Dubai Marina in addition to other roads that witnessed one to two hit accidents. He explained that 103 run-over accidents took place in the day time while the remaining took place at night.

Major-General Al Zafin said that the Dubai Traffic Department is issuing a fine of Dh200 on those who cross roads from non-designated areas. The police are organising awareness campaigns in cooperation with companies which should play an important role in educating the workers and providing means of transport for workers to reduce run-over accidents.

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