Dubai: Attempting to cross the street against busy traffic is a deadly game that continues to claim the lives of Dubai residents, said police.
While jaywalking may seem like a harmless way to save a little bit of time in the day, Dubai Police are telling residents in no uncertain terms that they are taking their lives into their hands whenever they do not cross at clearly delineated zebra crossings or wait until the way is free of traffic.
To emphasise the message, Dubai Police launched an awareness campaign highlighting the fact that 49 people were violently struck and killed by motor vehicles in run-over accidents in Dubai in 2016.
Colonel Jasim Khalil Mirza, director of the Security Awareness Department at Dubai Police, said the campaign will continue for two weeks.
“Last year, we recorded 357 run-over accidents resulted in 49 deaths and 377 people injured. Most of the accidents happened at night. We want people to be more careful when crossing the road and only use the designated areas to cross. Think before crossing the road,” Colonel Mirza said.
Police issued 77,016 fines for jaywalkers last year compare to 64,620 fines in 2015.
Dubai Police said 14 run-over incidents happened in Muhaisna 2 area, 13 on Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and 10 in International City.
Dubai Police will use social media networks to promote the campaign by posting videos and pictures to get the message out.
“People shouldn’t cross until the road is clear. People should follow traffic signals and cross from designated areas,” Colonel Mirza added.
The fine for jaywalking in Dubai is Dh200 while penalty for not giving way to pedestrians is Dh500 fine and six black points
