384 lives lost on UAE roads in 2024, Dubai tops list with 158

Dubai: The number of people losing their lives in road accidents reached 384 last year, marking a 9 per cent increase compared to 2023, with about half of these fatalities being recorded in Dubai.

According to the Ministry of Interior’s road safety data for 2024, the number of injuries rose to 6,062, while major accidents totalled 4,748, both representing an 8 per cent increase. Among the fatalities, 223 people lost their lives in crashes involving light vehicles, and 67 died in motorcycle accidents.

Some 98 per cent of these fatalities and injuries occurred in good weather and clear road conditions. The five most common violations, accounting for 68 per cent of fatalities and 62 per cent of injuries, are distracted driving (1,139), sudden deviation (1,092), tailgating (885), negligence and inattention (556), and lack of lane discipline (342).

Fridays and evenings have been identified as the most dangerous times on the road. As many as 63 people died on Fridays with 59 on Sundays and 58 on Wednesdays.

New driving licences

Notably, 383,086 new driving licences were issued last year, a number that Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, described as “astonishing”. The most licences were issued in Abu Dhabi (147,334), followed by Dubai (112,471) and Sharjah (65,195).

“The growing numbers of accidents, injured and fatalities overall, as well as the alarming numbers for the segment of vulnerable road users — motorcycle delivery riders, micromobility users, pedestrians — must be addressed by the involved public and private stakeholders in comprehensive and inclusive initiatives. More enforcement and more education is urgently needed,” Edelmann said.

158 deaths in Dubai

The breakdown of fatalities by emirate shows that Dubai had the highest number, with 158 deaths, followed by Abu Dhabi (123), Sharjah (32), Ras Al Khaimah (30), Umm Al Quwain (18), Fujairah (12), and Ajman (11). Among the most dangerous streets are: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road where 40 lives perished, Emirates Street (20), and Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (14).

Young motorists

Young motorists, particularly those aged 19-29, are the most vulnerable, representing 40 per cent of fatalities and 42 per cent of injuries.

Edelmann called for public and private stakeholders to consider ways to improve the situation.

“For example, by running engaging awareness campaigns and initiatives with their audiences like staff and customers, as their touchpoints can really help us making a difference. Ideally, schools and employers should play a vital role in addressing the road users under their influence,” Edelmann said.