Dubai road deaths fall 15% in first nine months

SHARP IMPROVEMENT: Dubai's roads have been a lot safer in 2008. (Getty Images)

A total of 196 people died in traffic accidents on Dubai's roads in the first nine months of this year, 15 percent fewer than in the same period of 2007,the emirate's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) said on Sunday.

It also revealed the perhaps unsurprising statistic that four out of five traffic fatalities are caused by speeding.

"Initial statistics of traffic safety indicators in the emirate of Dubai during the first nine months of 2008 showed a 15 percent drop in total fatalities resulting from traffic accidents to 196 cases from 231 cases reported during the same period in 2007," the RTA said in a statement.

Fatal run-over accidents also dropped by 25 percent to 73 cases from 97 cases reported during the same period last year.

The number of run-over injuries, however, increased by 8 percent to 580 cases compared to 540 cases reported in the first nine months of 2007, it said.

"Statistics reflect an clear improvement in traffic safety aspects," the RTA.

It said the mortality rate per 100,000 of population was likely to fall to 17 cases for the full year compared to 22 cases reported last year.

Pedestrian fatalities also fell over the first nine months of 2008 to 73 cases compared to 97 cases reported over the same period in 2007. The breakdown for pedestrian deaths was 23 cases on collector and local roads, 21 cases on arterial roads, and 29 cases on free roads and highways, it said.

Measures taken by RTA, such as implementation of the highest safety and security standards, awareness campaigns, construction and improvement of key road projects, and completion of pedestrian crossings and fencing on key roads all contribted to the overall reduction in fatalities, Maitha bin Adai, the RTA's chief executive officer said.
 
"The Strategic Plan of the RTA aims to increase the intake of roads network and reduce vehicule density on key roads during peak hours," she said.
 
"RTA is also focusing on awareness campaigns carried out throughout the year... targeting youths and truck drivers, particularly noting that statistics revealed that 80 percent of traffic accident fatalities are associated with over-speeding," she added.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Decrease in Road Deaths
Posted by Lester, Dubai, UAE on Monday 27 October 2008 at 09:37 UAE time


A commendable effort made by the RTA. This morning driving down emirates road, I noticed the increase in number of radars, some already installed, some being installed. Where many people would complain about this, I can only think it will make things better. Less speeding, less accidents, less traffic. Since people dont understand the importance, it's about time someone slams the breaks on irresponsible drivers.

Decrease in traffic accidents
Posted by David, Dubai, UAE on Monday 27 October 2008 at 07:02 UAE time


Most of us will be very glad to see the decrease in traffic accidents. Thanks to RTA for bringing in strict measures on overspeeding. I am sure this will reduce further as the stats are for past 9 months.

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