Sharjah Police boost smart monitoring to curb jaywalking after 13 road accidents
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Sharjah Police are increasing smart monitoring and patrols to combat jaywalking following 13 road accidents.
- Vehicle-pedestrian collisions are a leading cause of major traffic accidents in Sharjah's Eastern and Central regions.
- Authorities urge pedestrians to use designated crossings and motorists to remain vigilant.
Sharjah Police are intensifying efforts to curb jaywalking and enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in the Eastern and Central regions where vehicle-pedestrian collisions have become a significant traffic issue. The initiative comes in response to 13 run-over accidents recorded out of a total of 60 traffic accidents in these areas during a recent reporting period.
Brig. Khalid Al Kai, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Sharjah Police, emphasized that pedestrian safety is a top priority. He highlighted the dangers pedestrians face when crossing roads from undesignated locations, especially on high-speed routes. Al Kai urged the public to utilize designated crossings and pedestrian bridges, while also calling on motorists to exercise vigilance and yield to pedestrians at marked crossings.
To support these efforts, Sharjah Police are increasing patrols and launching awareness campaigns focused on promoting safe road behavior. Smart monitoring systems have been deployed in areas with high pedestrian activity to detect and address jaywalking. The police are also collaborating with relevant authorities to review existing pedestrian safety measures and identify potential needs for additional crossings and bridges in busy areas.
Data indicates that the Eastern Region experienced 26 traffic accidents, including six run-over incidents, while the Central Region recorded 34 accidents, with seven involving pedestrians. Authorities attributed a portion of these accidents to adverse weather conditions, such as fog, which reduced visibility. Both pedestrians and motorists are reminded to adhere to speed limits and remain alert, especially in residential zones and near crossing points.
Pedestrians who cross roads from undesignated locations put their lives at risk, particularly on high-speed roads. We urge the public to use designated crossings and pedestrian bridges, while motorists should remain vigilant and give way to pedestrians at marked crossings.
Originally published by Khaleej Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.