The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has unveiled ‘open data’ on road safety statistics for the year 2023, shedding light on roads and streets more susceptible to accidents across the UAE.
According to the data, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311), a crucial arterial route stretching from Al Falah in Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), recorded the highest number of accidents in 2023, with 266 reported incidents. Among these, 223 road users sustained injuries, while 43 tragically lost their lives.
Following closely is Emirates Road, where 18 fatalities and 104 injuries were reported, totaling 122 deaths and injuries. Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road ranked third with 16 deaths and 131 injuries, amounting to 147 casualties. Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road secured the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
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Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasized that the ranking of dangerous roads is primarily based on the number of fatalities, highlighting the importance of reducing road fatalities as a key indicator of road safety.
The breakdown by emirate revealed that Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number of fatalities, while Dubai reported the most injuries in 2023.
Despite a slight increase in road fatalities compared to the previous year, Edelmann noted a positive trend, with fatality numbers remaining near the ‘all-time low’ witnessed in 2022. However, he stressed the need for continuous efforts to improve road safety, emphasizing education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws as essential measures.
Edelmann emphasized the importance of targeting young drivers aged 19-29 and 30-39, who account for a significant portion of road casualties. He urged drivers to embrace their responsibility for passengers and vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians, to mitigate road accidents.
As the UAE continues its efforts to enhance road safety, stakeholders are urged to collaborate and implement effective strategies to ensure safer road conditions for all.
