ABU DHABI // Improving safety at accident blackspots has been given a high priority, Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority says.
The transport regulator was responding to concerns over accidents at a U-turn on the Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road.
“The RTA is aware of the locations where repeated accidents have occurred, based on crash data collected by traffic police,” a spokesman said. “Locations on the road network with a higher-than-expected number of accidents are identified and treated on a priority basis.”
The RTA said that in most cases, accidents were caused by drivers who failed to stick to traffic rules and speed limits.
Motorists have called for traffic lights to be installed at the busy U-turn after accidents where vehicles skidded off the Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road, hitting the barrier and ending up in a sandy area.
“This place is becoming an accident blackspot,” said Sebastian Varghese, a draughtsman who uses the E77 U-turn to get to his office in the industrial area. “Traffic accidents will continue to occur if no action is taken.”
Authorities have fixed the broken barrier in the area, he said.
Aneesh Mon, 34, a company driver who uses the U-turn three to four times a day, said he hoped authorities would install speed cameras there.
Last month, a car travelling at high speed crashed into the barrier, Mr Mon said.
A worrying trend at the U-turn is drivers exceeding the 60 kilometres per hour speed limit, said Rajesh Nair, 36, who works in the area. “Drivers may not be familiar with the road conditions and design,” said the accountant. “Many tend to ignore the speed limit sign and drive up to 100kph.”
Imtiyaz Khan, a traffic engineer who shared his views on the RoadSafetyUAE website, said authorities could improve the curve by providing an adequate turning radius.
He suggested rumble strips be placed a few metres before the junction to help calm the speed of a vehicle preparing to turn.
“A few cautionary and mandatory traffic boards could help minimise accident rates at this location,” Mr Khan said.
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