Direction markings on the road is the need of the hour

On many occasions, I have seen people narrowly escape being hit by cars while crossing roads because they are usually looking in the wrong direction.

Sometimes people cross the roads when the signal for pedestrians is still red, thinking there is no or less oncoming traffic. But, as soon as they step on the road, vehicles moving at a high speed appear from the other side. Moreover, people cross the roads from undesignated areas despite being aware of the risks and dangers they are inviting by doing so.

At times, people are in a hurry or too busy on their mobile phones or under a lot of stress to notice the oncoming traffic and therefore, end up crossing the road from the wrong side, leading to accidental deaths.

To curb this issue, a simple solution that can be implemented at the earliest is the use of markings that specify what direction pedestrians should look at before taking the leap. Most Western countries already have this concept in place, which is of great help to those trying to cross the roads and reach the opposite side.

As responsible residents, we should make it a point to ensure that we cross the roads only when it is safe enough to do so. Also, we should refrain from jaywalking and only cross at zebra crossings or designated crossing points. Furthermore, people should be attentive and cautious at all times to keep mishaps at bay.

Ideally, these direction markings should be at all designated crossing points, especially zebra crossings and at junctions. Jaywalking and irresponsible behaviour of pedestrians have become quite common these days.

Some of the areas that are in need of such markings are Naif area in Deira, Al Mamzar Road, and Saad Ibn Abi Road in Abu Shagara area in Sharjah.

Additionally, lane markings are required in residential neighbourhoods and areas where there are roads with two-way traffic or junctions where u-turns are allowed.

One such junction is at the Khalid Bin Walid Road, in Bur Dubai. It is a major and busy junction where pedestrians cross the road without taking into consideration that some vehicles are making a u-turn, thus increasing the possibility of an accident.

The reader is based in Sharjah.

Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com