ABU DHABI // Residents and visitors darting through
high-speed traffic to get to Abu Dhabi Mall is an all-too-common sight.
The “no pedestrian” signs, a footbridge across to the mall
and another near Le Meridien Hotel are being routinely ignored by many and even
a Dh200 fine for jaywalking has failed to deter hasty pedestrians.
At 4pm on Monday, in a 30-minute period The National counted
42 pedestrians crossing three lanes of traffic to and from Abu Dhabi Mall. Less
than half that number took the stairs.
Many find it easier to take the risk and dash across the
street. Among the jaywalkers were two couriers, a woman and her young daughter,
a pregnant woman, two women wearing abayas, an Abu Dhabi Co-op staffer with a
trolley filled with groceries, men in business suits, and groups of mall shop
workers.
A 27-year-old banker, who did not wish to be named, said a
jaywalking ticket would not deter him from crossing illegally.
“I got a fine about three years ago,” he said. “I’m so tired
and I just want to get into my car now. I just don’t care if I get a fine right
now.”
In March 2008, police raised the fines for jaywalking to
Dh200 from Dh50, saying the lower penalty had failed to deter pedestrians.
The elevator installed near the pedestrian bridge had also
done little to encourage pedestrians to use it, he said.
“It takes five minutes each to get up and down,” he said.
“They need to do something about it.”
On Monday, the entrance to the elevator was cordoned off by
police tape.
“This elevator is for the physically handicapped, visually
impaired persons and senior citizens only,” a sign read.
A security guard said jaywalking tended to be a group
activity.
“At 6pm, they all come in groups,” he said. “It’s illegal
and dangerous, but they prefer to cross the road.”
Two Filipina service crew were apologetic when asked why
they had crossed the road instead of using the footbridge.
“We’re really sorry,” one said. “We know it’s wrong but
we’re late for work.”
Police are stationed near the mall to conduct random
inspections and issue jaywalking fines.
“They’re usually here at 7pm,” the mall guard said.
Sajith Raj, 27, a fireman in Abu Dhabi for five years, said
it did not make sense for people to dash across lanes of traffic and put
themselves in harm’s way.
“I always use the bridge when I visit the mall,” said Mr
Raj, who crossed over with four friends. “Apart from being dangerous and
illegal, a lot of time is wasted waiting until the vehicles pass.”
Mani Alumuthu, 42, a marketing officer who has lived in Abu
Dhabi for four years, agreed.
“The Government built this bridge with the pedestrians’
safety in mind, but unfortunately only a few are using it.”
In February, Abu Dhabi Municipality announced measures to
improve the safety of pedestrians and road users. Pavements have since been
widened and standardised, new fencing to prevent jaywalking has been erected
and electronic directional signs have been installed.
The Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrol Directorate reported
in July that its campaign “Towards Reducing Serious Injuries and Death Rates
Caused by Run-Over Accidents” resulted in a 59 per cent fall in deaths caused
by run-over incidents in the past five years.
“But the majority of the residents lack a safe traffic
culture,” said Ramesh Menon, a technical officer at an oil firm in Abu Dhabi
and a resident for 25 years.
“It’s very sad to see women with their children who
repeatedly cross the road in undesignated areas. They are supposed to educate
them and spread road safety awareness and help save lives.”
All pedestrians and cyclists should remember they have a key
responsibility for their own safety, said Dino Kalivas, chairman of the driver
education and training committee at the International Road Federation.
“They should stop one step back from the kerb or shoulder of
the road if there is no walkway and listen in all directions for approaching
traffic,” he said.
“They should also think about whether it is safe to cross
the road, when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped, and observe the
traffic lights and signals.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
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