Dubai: Pedestrians who cross streets without following traffic rules will be arrested and charged with endangering others' lives, Dubai Police has warned.
Brigadier Al Zafein said that he is dismayed over the increasing number of pedestrians dying after being run over by vehicles.
"In most of these accidents, it was the pedestrian that was at fault," he said, because people cross busy roads without following road rules. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will also assist traffic police patrols, he said.
Brigadier Al Zafein, quoting statistics said, the number of pedestrians being killed, represent 30 to 40 per cent of total deaths on Dubai roads annually.
He said figures show that 115 pedestrians were killed last year, compared to 98 pedestrians the year before.
Brigadier Al Zafein emphasised about having a mechanism to fine offending pedestrians who cross the streets randomly, despite the availability of pedestrian crossings nearby.
He called on concerned organisations to cooperate in the campaign by organising awareness and guidance workshops. But in many places there are no zebra crossings, pedestrians said.
In another development, Dubai Police will send 20 male and female students abroad to achieve higher degrees in forensic science, biology, chemistry and fires.
Forensic science
Dubai Police's Forensic Sciences and Crime Science Department, chose 20 distinguished students to send them abroad to study on Dubai Police's expense. Colonel Ahmad Bin Hammad, director of the department, said the department had sent ten students last year to continue their higher education in esteemed educational organisations.
He said the door is open to receive more applications until the number for the second batch is completed.
