Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority RTA has reported a remarkable 93% reduction in road accident fatalities from 2007 to 2023. The accident fatality rate in Dubai has now reached an all-time low of 1.6 per 100,000 people in 2023, surpassing the target rate of 2.
This achievement is the result of multiple strategic initiatives, including stricter law enforcement, enhanced infrastructure, and widespread awareness campaigns.
عقد معالي مطر الطاير المدير العام ورئيس مجلس المديرين في #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات، ومعالي الفريق عبدالله خليفة المري، القائد العام لشرطة دبي، اجتماعًا تنسيقيًا استعرضا خلاله نتائج ومؤشرات استراتيجية السلامة المرورية لإمارة دبي، ومناقشة المتطلبات الخاصة بشرطة دبي في مشروع الخط… pic.twitter.com/VFVlrRYcK8
— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 10, 2024
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Key Initiatives and Statistics
In 2023 alone, authorities took significant steps to improve road safety:
- Issued over 500,000 road safety violations.
- Constructed 32 raised pedestrian crossings.
- Enhanced individual mobility means at more than 200 locations.
- Addressed 29 recurring incident sites through detailed studies.
- Implemented a smart management system for public transport drivers.
- Conducted extensive awareness and enforcement campaigns.
- Launched educational programmes specifically for delivery motorcycle drivers.
Commitment to Road Safety
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA, and Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, emphasized the importance of traffic safety during a recent coordination meeting. They praised the strong partnership between the RTA and Dubai Police, which has been crucial in achieving these results.
Al Tayer stated, “Traffic safety features high among the priorities of the Traffic Safety Strategy and RTA’s goals,” reflecting the joint commitment to making Dubai’s roads safer.
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Upcoming Blue Line Metro Project
The meeting also discussed Dubai Police’s requirements for the upcoming Blue Line project of the Dubai Metro. This 30-kilometre extension will feature 14 stations (nine elevated and five underground) and connect with the existing Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station.
The Blue Line is designed to serve nine vital areas, with a projected population of one million by 2040. Upon opening, it is expected to accommodate 200,000 daily passengers, increasing to 320,000 by 2040. This expansion aligns with Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040, particularly serving the fifth urban centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis.
The project aims to boost the emirate’s development and economy, potentially increasing land and property values around the stations by 10-25%, and reducing traffic congestion by 20%.
Collaborative Efforts Yield Results
Lt Gen Al Marri highlighted the success of continuous awareness campaigns and the strategic coordination between various partners in reducing traffic accident fatalities. He noted, “The traffic accident fatalities in Dubai have witnessed a significant decrease recently, thanks to the coordination and joint efforts with strategic partners, the ongoing efforts to curb traffic incidents, and the success of continuous awareness campaigns…”
This impressive reduction in road fatalities underscores Dubai’s commitment to enhancing road safety and improving the overall quality of life for its residents and visitors.
