Motorists, pedestrians urged to be more careful

Dubai: The chief traffic prosecutor has called on motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and abide by road rules in what remains of the weeklong festivities. His request follows the tragic death of a pedestrian on Saturday evening.

Motorists and pedestrians were asked to be more cautious while using roads and to respect traffic laws more, especially around public parks and areas where Eid Al Adha and National Day festivities are being held, Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution, said yesterday.

"We don't want the joyful and festive times that residents and their beloved ones are spending to turn tragic and painful. I call on drivers and pedestrians to abide [by] traffic rules and regulations.

"Drive [under the] lawful speed limits and cross roads from specialised zebra crossings or use pedestrian bridges. You have to be more vigilant and observant especially surrounding public parks and places where celebrations are taking place. Saturday's... accident was really tragic," Bu Farousha told Gulf News.

His warning followed the death of an unidentified pedestrian, believed to be Asian, who was run over on Saturday evening at 6.25pm on Al Khawaneej Road.

Detained

The Indian driver, who ran over the pedestrian and killed him, has been placed under provisional detention pending further investigation.

"The Traffic Prosecution has asked the police to detain the suspect. We started our investigations yesterday. Initially, the suspect will be placed under seven-day provisional detention.

"The pedestrian seems to have crossed the road from an undesignated spot. Yet, we have to investigate and see the major causes behind this tragic accident," added Bu Farousha.

He added that Al Khawaneej Road was a lively five-lane road and that drivers should be more careful as Mushrif Park was along the same road.

"Nowadays, it's Eid Al Adha's and National Day's holidays and the number of visitors to Mushrif Park and other public parks are and will eventually increase [as the public] celebrate the holidays. "Hence, motorists and [pedestrians] should be more attentive [to safeguard their] lives and [the] lives of others. Ultimately, driving at speed limits, using roads lawfully and sticking to traffic laws are the best [ways] to enjoy a tragedy-free holiday for residents and authorities as well," Bu Farousha said.

Bu Farousha also said his warning was not limited to current holidays only. He urged drivers and pedestrians to abide by the law.