Road accidents take their toll on economy

In the first six months of this year, a total of 147 people have been killed in road accidents in Dubai. That bloody toll represents an increase of 8 per cent compared to the same period last year. According to Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, 1,688 others were injured in a total of 1,914 accidents between January and June.

By any estimation, these figures represent a huge loss of human life that cannot be properly calculated in terms of pain, suffering, tragedy and sorrow.

But now there is even more sobering evidence of the total cost of this senseless carnage on our roads.

Engineer Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, estimates that traffic accidents alone in 2007 caused an economic loss of Dh720 million - or around one per cent of the gross domestic product of the emirate.

In addition, traffic congestion is estimated to cost the local economy Dh4.5 billion annually.

He cautions that if the current deadly trend is not curbed, an estimated 5,200 people will die on Dubai roads by 2015.

When you get behind the wheel next time, remember the statistics. Slow down, signal clearly, and take your time. You'll be doing your part for the economy. And for safety.