Why aren’t people using pedestrian crossings?

Sharjah

The importance of the pedestrian crossing cannot be emphasised enough, especially on busy roads. However, despite several awareness campaigns and accidents, many pedestrians continue to jaywalk.

Traffic signals stop vehicles and allow large numbers of pedestrians to cross the road safely. The authorities have installed these on many roads in the emirate of Sharjah. There is one where I live on the King Faisal Road, too (as seen in photograph).

Pedestrians can press a button on the signal and wait for the lights to change before crossing. Some drivers may not stop for pedestrians, so most people wait until all vehicles have stopped.

With the multitude of diversions, a nearby demolition of an old building under progress and the absence of an underpass or footbridge at this location, it is very risky to not use the designated crossing. It was alarming to see some women run across the busy road, far away from the designated crossing, during the early working hours on a busy weekday. It is surprising how we risk our lives and limbs to reach our destination fast by probably a few minutes, and do not comprehend the consequences of our actions.

King Faisal Road is perhaps one of the busiest localities in Sharjah, with residences and educational institutes and with several adults, children and students always waiting to cross the road. There has been a marked increase in fatal accidents on this road in the recent past, as reported by several local newspapers, which needs to be addressed. Road safety education needs to be increased, as it plays an important role in ensuring children and young adults become responsible drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Children need to start learning about the road system, road signs and traffic lights from a young age by incorporating basic road safety lessons in their syllabus. With the support of parents and example set by adults, they can be groomed into responsible residents. Additionally, jaywalkers needs to be heavily penalised.

A signboard has been installed by the authorities, signalling the construction of a pedestrian bridge in the near future. I request them to do so quickly or create an underpass. The common objective of the public and the authority is always to reduce traffic accidents and pedestrian-related injuries.

Let’s not rush and risk our life by not following the safety rules. We’re better safe than sorry.

FACTS:

Jaywalking on any road, excluding small roads in communities, from undesignated spots is a crime punishable by the UAE Traffic Law with a fine of Dh200. A Gulf News report published in April, 2015, stated that 147 deaths were recorded during just the first three months of 2015. Over the same period, 1,684 injuries occurred due to road accidents. According to Dubai Police’s official website, statistics from the past 10 years show that for every life lost from traffic accidents, there are 17 people injured or disabled.