Authorities launch high-visibility awareness campaigns under GCC Traffic Week to curb pedestrian accidents and improve motorist compliance.
ABU DHABI – Law enforcement agencies across the United Arab Emirates have launched an intensive road safety crackdown, issuing a stern reminder to pedestrians and motorists alike: safety is a shared responsibility. As part of the ongoing GCC Traffic Week, police departments in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah have deployed field units and digital awareness campaigns to reduce road fatalities, specifically targeting jaywalking and distracted driving.
Under the unified regional slogan “Driving Without a Phone,” the campaigns aim to eliminate hazardous behaviors that have historically led to preventable tragedies. In a major move to ensure compliance, Ras Al Khaimah Police reaffirmed that jaywalking—the act of crossing roads from undesignated areas—remains a serious traffic offense, carrying a mandatory Dh400 fine.
Fujairah: Video Evidence Highlights Driver Negligence
Fujairah Police recently released impactful footage illustrating the stark difference between responsible and negligent driving. While the video showed many motorists stopping appropriately at designated crossings, it also captured several drivers failing to yield because they were distracted by their mobile phones. Authorities warned that such momentary lapses in concentration are a leading cause of pedestrian-related accidents.
Abu Dhabi: Field Initiatives and Safety Gear
In the capital, Abu Dhabi Police teamed up with Abu Dhabi Mobility (the Integrated Transport Centre) for a high-profile awareness drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Under the theme “Cross Safely,” officers engaged directly with the public to emphasize the importance of using bridges, tunnels, and zebra crossings.
To encourage safer habits, the initiative included:
- Educational Workshops: On-the-spot lectures regarding traffic laws.
- Safety Gear Distribution: Pedestrians were provided with reflective jackets and helmets to increase visibility.
- Digital Engagement: Leveraging social media to reach the wider expatriate and local population.
Regional Cooperation
These local efforts are part of a broader, synchronized strategy involving all GCC nations. By unifying traffic regulations and awareness themes, regional authorities hope to foster a culture of road discipline that transcends borders. Pedestrians are urged to remain vigilant, put away mobile devices while crossing, and strictly adhere to designated pathways to avoid both financial penalties and physical harm.
