Dubai: Cabbies in Dubai are to get a tailgating alert, helping them avoid accidents resulting from not leaving enough space between vehicles, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Thursday.
The authority is installing a device called ‘Back off Radio’ on taxis, which was created in collaboration with a radio broadcasting network that will send real-time alerts to cabbies when they are too close to the car in front.
The move, according to the RTA, promises to keep Dubai roads safer than ever before by aiming to save lives before it’s too late.
“By creating an innovative way of broadcasting a much-needed safety message that will educate drivers and help prevent vehicle collisions, the RTA have further demonstrated their commitment to the safety of roads,” said Yousuf Al Ali, CEO of the RTA’s Public Transport Agency.
He added that ‘Back off Radio’ collects real-time information that doesn’t only warn about tailgating but can also detect speeding, and aggressive driving, which can then be analysed to assist the RTA to create safer roads.
“The system utilises a device that is built into our taxis. Once the taxi reaches a speed of 60km/h, sensors fitted to the front and rear of the car are activated. If the taxi enters within the safety zone of the vehicle in front, a safety message will be sent to the taxi’s speaker inside the car. Similarly, if a vehicle approaching a taxi breaches the safety zone, they will receive a message through their own radio. This safety message will tell the driver to back away from the vehicle in front and to remember to keep a safe distance as it could be carrying a friend or loved one,” said Al Ali.
Tests on the system will be conducted over the coming weeks, following which a select number of taxis will be fitted with the device to assess the efficiency of the technology, prior to its implementation across all taxis in Dubai.
