People should stick to designated pedestrian crossings
Crossing the road wherever you fancy might save you a few steps, but Abu Dhabi Police is reminding pedestrians that it’s really not worth taking the risk, especially if you’re hit with a fine on the spot.
The Directorate General of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police has urged people to stick to designated pedestrian crossings, bridges and tunnels when making their way across busy roads, as part of an ongoing road-safety awareness campaign.
And yes, that means resisting the temptation to make a quick dash across the road when the proper crossing is just a little further away.
Police warned that crossing randomly or from undesignated areas can significantly increase the risk of accidents, putting both pedestrians and drivers in danger.
Pedestrians caught breaking the rules can also face fines issued on the spot, so that shortcut could end up costing considerably more than an extra few minutes of walking.
Pedestrians have also been reminded to pay attention to traffic signals and pedestrian lights, rather than assuming a quick glance is enough to make a safe crossing.
Designated crossings are there for a reason. They give pedestrians a clearly marked and safer place to cross while also alerting drivers that people may be entering the road.
Drivers, meanwhile, have their own part to play.
Abu Dhabi Police is asking motorists to stay particularly alert when approaching pedestrian crossings, reduce their speed and give pedestrians priority when they are crossing.
In other words, seeing someone waiting at a crossing is a cue to slow down, not speed up and hope they change their mind.
The message from police is that road safety is very much a two-way street.
Pedestrians need to use the correct crossing points and follow signals, while motorists should remain attentive, drive at appropriate speeds and be prepared for people crossing.
The latest reminder forms part of Abu Dhabi Police’s wider Smart Road Security strategy, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians and other road users across the emirate.
So, the next time you’re faced with the choice between walking an extra minute to the crossing or making a risky shortcut across the road, take the scenic route.
A few extra steps are a much better option than putting yourself, or your wallet, in danger.
