Dubai: As I was crossing the road to reach my bus stop in the morning to school, I noticed something different. There was a noticeable depression on the pedestrian crossing, due to the damaged road surface, in Dubai’s Al Mankhool area. Pedestrians could trip on this unlevelled road while crossing, which would mean increased pedestrian exposure to risk of road accidents.
It is said that careful driving along with adherence to traffic rules is the key to road safety. But, there is a vital factor that must not be ignored. The roads themselves must be safely structured and carefully constructed to ensure that any vehicle or pedestrian using it should be absolutely safeguarded against any accidents or mishaps.
On this particular crossing, there is a dangerous undulation in the form of a kinked surface that is an invitation for vehicle or pedestrian mishap during its usage because of the unlevelled surface (as seen in photograph).
Ravi Kapur, an author based in Dubai, was one of the few people who were personally affected by this crossing.
He said: “It was a nasty experience for me as while I was using the crossing, I failed to notice the undulating surface and lost my balance and fell down, sustaining injury to one of my knees. I request the authorities to take up the matter and act fast.”
Rajshri Mishra, a resident of the area, said: “This can be hazardous and could lead to someone stumbling and falling.”
It is crucial that the concerned authorities take immediate note of the situation and take appropriate action! I felt it my duty to bring this lurking danger to the notice of the authorities, before the situation became worse and the current undulation in the road doesn’t turn into a pothole.
— The reader is a student based in Dubai.
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Editor’s note: The reader’s concerns were raised with the management of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). However, despite repeated reminders, they did not respond.
