Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police issued 50,695 fines to pedestrians who crossed the roads from non-designated areas in 2017, according to a police press release issued on Saturday.
The number of violations and pedestrian deaths increased by 21 per cent last year, compared to 2016. As many as 63 pedestrians died after being knocked down by vehicles in 2017, compared to 50 in 2016.
Pedestrians who cross roads from non-designated areas get are fined Dh400.
Motorists who do not give way to pedestrians at designated crossings will attract a Dh500 fine and six black points. They will also get a Dh400 fine if they stop the vehicle in such a way that obstructs pedestrians at designated crossings.
The Directorate of Traffic and Patrols in the Central Operations Sector of Abu Dhabi Police, urged residents to use designated pedestrian crossings, bridges and tunnels to cross the roads.
The drivers have been requested to reduce speed near pedestrian crossings, near schools and other educational institutions and give the way to pedestrians at the crossings and avoid stopping vehicles on the crossings.
The directorate will coordinate with its government partners to enhance the safety of pedestrians by building bridges and tunnels on highways and inland roads to provide safe crossing.
It will also conduct awareness campaigns among all segments of society, especially workers in agriculture and construction sectors, who live in workers’ cities.
The directorate warned residents against carelessness while crossing roads as some of them use mobile phones, which expose them to possible accidents.
In numbers
50,695 fines issued to pedestrians in 2017
21% increase in number of violations and deaths in 2017 from 2016
63 pedestrian deaths in 2017
50 pedestrian deaths in 2016
Dh400 fine for pedestrians for illegal crossing
Dh500 fine and 6 black points for drivers who do not give way to pedestrians at crossings
Dh400 fine for drivers if they block pedestrians at crossings
