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Dubai: Motorists need to take extra precautions at road diversions since about five per cent of accidents in those areas have resulted in casualties last year, said a senior official.
"It is regretful to learn that 72 accidents - ranging from light, moderate to fatal - took place at traffic diversions and roadwork sites in the city last year," said Badr Al Siri, Director of Traffic Department at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Al Siri noted that the figures are alarming and reflect a lack of awareness among motorists about the importance of driving safe when road diversions are installed for roadworks.
Meanwhile, motorists complained that diversions on most roads especially on Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Al Ittihad Road, Beirut Road and Al Garhoud Bridge are confusing and result in massive traffic jams.
"Diversion signboards are confusing and are clustered at some spots," said Jamsheed Shaikh, a Dubai resident.
He explained that electronic traffic information boards should also notify motorists about diversions instead of simply displaying messages about 'traffic jams.'
Massive campaign
As part of the community service, the RTA has launched a massive campaign to spread awareness among motorists about methods of safe driving through traffic diversions.
"We have launched a big campaign across Dubai yesterday to urge motorists to be extra careful while approaching traffic diversions and roadworks," Al Siri said.
He said motorists should slow down, pay attention to the style of diversion, and take note on whether there are workers, machinery or any other hindrance on the road.
The campaign has been launched under the theme "Be Quiet, Others Will Follow You."
Al Siri noted the campaign is necessary to educate motorists about this critical issue because road improvements and expansion work is presently being carried out on many of the city's roads.
The Traffic Department has prepared brochures with guidelines on the importance of taking extra precautions when approaching road diversions. The Traffic Awareness Group and Traffic Awareness Team will distribute these brochures at 200 schools and colleges in the emirate.
The Traffic Diversions Campaign will continue until the end of February.
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