Dubai
There is a pedestrian crossing in the Al Karama area, in Dubai, which is the busiest in the entire area as it is placed between two leading supermarkets and a Dubai Metro station. There is some awareness created at the location, with flashing yellow lights fixed on both sides of the crossing and a signboard conveying the message to drivers that there are pedestrians crossing ahead. But, I would like to bring to the kind attention of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that this is not enough.
Pedestrians continue to use the crossing with no concern for the motorists. Every five minutes a huge rush of people arrive from the Metro station and use the crossing in large groups. Aditionally, a lot of people walk to the supermarkets and need to cross the road. They cross the road as and when they have to with no concern for the motorists. This leads to a long queue of motorists waiting for them to pass.
In my opinion, crossing as a group is still better. I’ve seen people crossing the road alone and they stroll across slowly, showing absolutely no courtesy towards the person who has stopped his or her vehicle; it’s not fair. I don’t drive, but I use this pedestrian crossing very often. Whenever I reach the crossing, I make sure I wait for some time so that a few other pedestrians who need to cross arrive. I then walk across with them and always thank the motorist who has stopped.
The crossing creates confusion. During the evenings or on weekends, the whole street is packed with motorists waiting to move on and a lot of time is wasted. I live nearby and keep hearing cars screeching to a stop. There is a high risk of life because motorists may not be able to stop all the time, or may not notice a pedestrian. I agree that pedestrians have the rights to cross at a designated crossing, but we still need to be a little more considerate.
I’m not saying all motorists are perfect, some even rush through the crossing. But I’m putting myself in their shoes and I think there is an immediate need for a traffic signal at this crossing and I hope the authorities install one at the earliest.
The reader is a homemaker based in Dubai.
Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com
