Authorities have identified run-over accidents as one of the leading causes of fatal road accidents in Sharjah. The figures of last 13 months revealed by Sharjah Police highlight the severity of these run-over accidents. According to the stats, 50 pedestrians lost their lives in 253 run-over accidents in last 13 months. People who lost their lives belonged to various nationalities.
Lieutenant Saud Al Shaiba, the Head of the Traffic Awareness Department in Sharjah stated that “11,342 pedestrians were fined for crossing the road from prohibited areas.” In a period of 13 months, run-over accidents caused 22 people to suffer serious injuries, 131 received moderate injuries while 32 suffered minor ones.
Causes for Run-over Accidents
According to Lt Saud Al Shaiba, both pedestrians and drivers were found responsible for the run-over accidents. It’s a combination of factors that can cause a run-over accident and some of the most significant factors are listed below:
- Lack of attention while driving.
- Speeding in residential or commercial areas/roads.
- Pedestrians crossing roads from undesignated areas.
- Lack of awareness about road safety rules amongst drivers and pedestrians alike.
Also read: Motorists to benefit from the Road Safety Campaign for Pedestrians
Awareness Inspection Campaign to Prevent Run-over Accidents
In order to control the alarming number of accidents and deaths due to road safety negligence, Sharjah Police Authorities aided by the Ministry of Interior have launched an awareness campaign.
Under the Awareness Inspection Campaign, the road surveillance of residential areas and major roads in commercial zones has been increased by Sharjah Police. Pedestrians tend to be inattentive while crossing the road for numerous reasons and that’s where the chance of a fatal road accident heightens. Police have urged pedestrians to use the cross light buttons to stop the traffic when crossing the road. Cyclists are also advised to wear phosphoric jackets at night to make them more visible to other motorists. Traffic Police will also distribute awareness brochures in all languages to pedestrians.
Motorists have been advised to remain attentive while driving in residential areas or commercial roads/zones and not to put the lives of pedestrians at stake by driving too fast or by jumping the red signal. There are serious penalties for such offences in Sharjah and to avoid them, it is important to drive very carefully.
Also read: Traffic Violations mount as 6,000 Motorists Jump Red Light in 5 Months
Penalties and Fines for Causing Accidents
Traffic regulations are there to maintain a steady flow of traffic and to minimise the probability of a road accident. Motorist or pedestrians found guilty of reckless behaviour can be fined heavily in Sharjah. For speeding or reckless driving leading to a run-over accident, motorists can receive a fine of AED 2,000 along with 12 black points against the driving license and 30 days impounding of the vehicle. Motorists failing to give way to the pedestrians can also be charged with a fine of AED 500 and 6 black points.
Pedestrians can be fined with AED 200 for crossing the road from an undesignated area. These are quite severe penalties and by being attentive and careful on road, you will not only save yourself from heavy fines but also from causing and becoming the victim of a deadly road accident.
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