E-Paper
Sign In
Wed, Nov 12, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 22, 1447 | Fajr 05:14 | DXB 
25.3°C
iPhone | iPad
Android
Breaking NewsKT
UAE records 384 road deaths in 2024; distracted driving among top 5 reasons
In terms of age, young road users (drivers, passengers and pedestrians) between 19 and 29 years old are the most vulnerable, accounting for 40 per cent of fatalities
As the number of vehicles increased in the past three years, cases of road accidents and fatalities have also increased across the UAE, statistics culled from the recently uploaded Ministry of Interior (MoI) ‘open data’ have revealed.
A total of 384 road deaths were recorded last year, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022.
Recommended For You
The number of injured persons also went up by 8.33 per cent in 2024 – 6,032 injuries (of varying degrees) – which is 464 more than the 5,568 cases in 2023; and 987 or 19.56 per cent more than 5,045 injuries recorded in 2022.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Overall, the number of deaths and injuries across the UAE last year (384 road deaths plus 6,032 injuries; for a total of 6,416) rose by 8.3 per cent or 496 cases more than the 5,920 recorded in 2023.
About 68 per cent of the fatalities and 62 per cent of the injuries were caused by these top five violations: distracted driving, tailgating, sudden deviation, negligence or inattention, and lack of lane discipline.
A total of 4,748 major accidents were recorded in 2024, up by 8 per cent or 357 cases compared to 2023; and 20 per cent or 803 more than the 3,945 cases recorded in 2022.
In terms of age, young road users (drivers, passengers and pedestrians) between 19 and 29 years old are the most vulnerable, accounting for 40 per cent of fatalities, up from 38 per cent in 2023 (vs. 2022 figures); and those injured went up by 42 per cent in 2024 from the 36 per cent in 2023 when benchmarked against 2022.
More cars and drivers are now on the road, after 383,086 new driving licenses were issued last year.
Other important details from the MoI open data include:
Fridays and evenings are the most dangerous days and time to be on the road
Dubai (158) tops the list in terms of fatalities and injuries ahead of Abu Dhabi (123)
In terms of vehicle used, the most vulnerable road users are motorcycle riders with 67 recorded fatalities in 2024, comprising 17.45 per cent of all fatalities last year, as compared to only 12 per cent of deaths in 2023
There were also 19 micro-mobility (e-scooter) fatalities or 5 per cent of all deaths in 2024, against 4 per cent in 2023
Run-overs caused 61 fatalities or about 16 per cent of all fatalities last year
The top 10 most dangerous in terms of road fatalities are: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street, Main Street (Abu Dhabi-Commodities), Al Ain-Dubai Road, Al Khail Street, Dubai-Hatta Road, Tarif Street, Sheikh Zayed Street.
Studying the numbers
A careful analysis of the numbers is in order. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, explained to Khaleej Times: “The numbers must be seen in the context of the long-term trend which is remarkable as the last time the UAE reported more than 1,000 traffic fatalities (1,072) was in 2008, meaning the 2024 fatality numbers represent a drop of 688 cases.
“We are grateful to MoI for releasing the detailed 2024 road safety statistics early in the year. The growing numbers of accidents, injured and fatalities overall, as well as the alarming numbers for the segment of vulnerable road users (motorcycle (delivery) riders, micro-mobility users, pedestrians) must be addressed by the involved public and private stakeholders in comprehensive and inclusive initiatives. More enforcement and more education is urgently needed,” he added.
Improving road safety
Emirati road safety expert Dr Mustafa Aldah also noted “the levels that we are seeing in terms of fatalities have been very low the past couple of years – as compared to more than 15 years ago – so, we have been doing well.”
“It's a little sad that there's a reversal, going slightly upwards, but the overall number is still very low compared to other countries, added Dr Aldah, who is also founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of the traffic studies section at the Dubai Police.
Dr Aldah earlier told Khaleej Times he is in favour of the government’s policy to impose hefty fines against reckless drivers. In the UAE, traffic law violators face strict penalties, including vehicle confiscation, legal summons, and potential prosecution.
Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, also previously told Khaleej Times: “Any deterrent to drivers committing violations should be welcomed.
“However, severe penalties alone will not address all bad driver behaviour and may not deter some drivers who believe that the risk of being caught is low,” he cautioned, noting: “Vehicle impounding is limited in value if drivers have access to more than one vehicle.
“Robust and consistent enforcement is required to underpin any legislation. Driving licence suspension and very severe consequences for breaching a suspension may be more effective than vehicle impounding,” he added.
Creating a culture of safety
“Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains paramount to addressing road safety,” Clarke underscored.
Edelmann added: “Possibly, the legal framework and enforcement could be further developed. The segment of the vulnerable road users demands more attention and we can have an overhaul of the motorcycle delivery sector.”
All three road safety experts agreed: “Public safety is a shared responsibility." This means all road users – motorists, passengers, pedestrians, bikers, e-scooter riders – are required to actively participate in ensuring everyone is adhering to road safety regulations and build a strong culture of safety.
Angel Tesorero
Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He is a food lover too.
Don’t just scroll. Know it all. Sign up for your daily UAE news fix.
Get the top stories of the day right in your inbox.
