Shaikh Zayed Road the most dangerous in Dubai last year

Shaikh Zayed Road gained the dubious distinction of the most dangerous road in Dubai last year, a top traffic police official said.

Twenty-one people died and five others were seriously injured in 133 accidents on the road, said Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Head of Dubai Traffic Police, in a statement.

Emirates Road, Shaikh Rashid Road and Jumeirah Road followed in that order in terms of major accidents, making them equally hazardous to motorists.

In all 798 major accidents occurred in Dubai last year.

There were 2,414 accidents documented by the traffic department but they included minor crashes as well.

"The crashes on Shaikh Zayed Road represented about 5.5 per cent of the accidents in Dubai. Of the 133 accidents on the road, 97 accounted for the 183 casualties and involved 240 vehicles.

"Barring the 21 deaths and five people with serious injuries, the rest suffered minor injuries," said Brig Al Zafein.

Emirates Road, which followed close behind with about 128 accidents, saw 21 deaths. Seven people were seriously hurt, while 161 others escaped with minor injuries.

Nine people died on Shaikh Rashid Road, which came a distant third, with 57 accidents and 30 of them involving casualties. Nearly 35 sustained injuries while 101 vehicles were damaged, the traffic official said in the statement.

Three people were killed and 32 others were injured in 57 accidents on Jumeirah Beach Road.

"Accidents on Al Wasl Road claimed the lives of three people while 41 others were injured About 110 vehicles were involved in 56 accidents," said Al Zafein.

The roads Bani Yas, Al Khaleej, Dubai-Al Ain stretch and Bur Dubai ranked sixth to tenth in accident rates.

In 2003, the most dangerous roads were Dubai-Al Ain Road, Emirates Road, Shaikh Zayed Road, Shaikh Rashid Road, Al Ittihad Road, Al Wasl Road, Al Quoz Road, Al Rashid Road, Hatta Road and Al Nahda Road.