Irresponsible pedestrians and drivers pose a big risk

Abu Dhabi: Crossing the roads, even at a zebra crossing, is often a scary experience for pedestrians.

But on the other hand, pedestrians who dodge cars while trying to cross the streets are a nightmare for motorists.

Gulf News asked road users their take on this issue.

"Whenever a person crosses a busy road, he is putting his life at a great risk. This is true even while using a zebra crossing because the cars just don't stop," says Elizabeth Cushions, a British national, who has been driving in the UAE for six years.

Taking chances

Employed as a human resource manager, Cushions said that there is not enough enforcement for the drivers to be responsible to stop at the right places. "People just cross when they can," she said, adding that back in the UK, things are different and that she makes sure to stop for people to walk by.

"I think motorists in this regard, should be blamed," she said. "People are really taking chances when the lights are changing at the signals because drivers are so focused on moving ahead."

Sudanese couple Mohammad Abd Rahman and Sblaa Abd Rahman feel that pedestrians are responsible for most of the run over accidents. "Crossing the road is quite a scary experience," said Sblaa, noting that they only cross at traffic signals.

"But most of the accidents are probably caused by people who do not use marked paths," said Abd Rahman.

Abdullah Saeed, a Palestinian who works as a lounge manager with a bank, said that he witnesses pedestrians crossing illegally everyday. "The worst street for this kind of behaviour I think is Salam Street."

"Drivers do not really care... I see a lot of rough driving," said Babitha Nishad, an Indian who works as a liaison officer.

At the same time, some pedestrians are also very impatient and cross the road without waiting for the green signal, which could be dangerous.