Dangerous road bend in Sharjah

I want to highlight a dangerous issue in the Al Taawun area of Sharjah.

Vehicles making a right turn from a small roundabout located in the area, just a few metres away from the larger Al Taawun roundabout, are at great risk of an accident. This is due to the pavement that extends much further than usual (as seen in the photograph) and is a major hindrance.

The small roundabout also provides an exit to Al Taawun area for cars traveling on the Al Ittihad Road towards Dubai. It is usually busy during peak hours and is used by a significant number of vehicles each day.

Countless accidents have occurred at this spot in the recent past, including one in which I was involved. I was driving towards my home when I made the right turn while in the right lane from this particular roundabout. In the process of preventing my car from hitting the pavement, I lost control, went into the lane of the oncoming traffic and hit the construction barriers on the opposite side of the road. I narrowly escaped death in this incident and needless to say, my car was damaged beyond recognition.

To make the situation worse, motorists at the roundabout drive at a very high speed and do not stop to give way to those wanting to make a right turn. I remember when I crashed my car into the pavement; I was honked at continuously while I tried to make the turn safely. Not only this, the road has two-way traffic, which makes it even more challenging for drivers to control their cars.

The pavement along the bend is also damaged and broken from the side. This is because many cars have either rammed into it, driven over it or have simply been involved in a crash at this spot.

I request the concerned authorities to kindly replace roundabouts in the area with traffic signals so that it becomes less risky for those driving. It would also be easier for pedestrians, who find it hard to cross the roads in this populous residential neighbourhood.

Moreover, as an immediate course of action, the pavement should be shortened and levelled so that it becomes easier for vehicles to make the right turn and collisions can be avoided.

I would also like to urge fellow motorists to drive safely and be considerate towards others when on the road.

The reader is a resident based in Sharjah.

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