Latest news with #Edelmann
The National
11-04-2025
- The National
Dubai Police share video of biker arrested for dangerous stunts
Dubai Police on Friday released a video of a motorcyclist who was arrested for performing dangerous stunts on the emirate's roads. The video shows the biker appearing to take both hands off the handlebars to make various gestures while travelling at high speeds. Police said the biker's stunts put himself and others in danger 'Dubai Police have arrested a reckless rider seen performing dangerous stunts on his motorcycle at dangerously high speeds in viral social media videos, disregarding traffic laws and public safety,' a post on X reads. 'Under Decree No. (30) of 2023 regarding vehicle impoundment, a release fee may be imposed, with fines reaching up to fifty thousand dirhams.' Motorists convicted in such circumstances must pay Dh50,000 to have a seized vehicle released. If this fee is not paid, the vehicle will be put up for auction. It comes a week after Abu Dhabi Police shared dramatic footage of a motorway crash caused by drivers abruptly switching lanes, to highlight the dangers of flouting the rules of the road. The force released a 30-second video showing drivers darting between lanes, initially narrowly avoiding a serious accident. Exceeding the maximum speed limit by more than 60kph will lead to a fine of Dh2,000 and 12 black points, as well as vehicle confiscation for 30 days. Lesser speeding offences also carry penalties, reflecting the importance of adhering to set limits. Speeding by no more than 30kph over the maximum speed limit results in a Dh300 fine and no black points. Drivers and motorcyclists who run through red lights risk a fine of Dh1,000 and 12 black points, while heavy vehicle drivers face a fine of Dh3,000 and a one-year licence suspension for the same offence. Black points are penalties given to drivers for serious breaches of road regulations. The number of points given depends on the offence. If a driver receives 24 black points within the space of 12 months, their licence is suspended. The length of the suspension is decided based on the severity of the rule breaches. There are 143 federal traffic laws listed on the Dubai Police website, with varying penalties including fines, black points, vehicle confiscation and licence suspension. They apply to all Emirates. If your vehicle is impounded, there are additional fees to release it. These can reach up to Dh100,000, depending on the offence. It comes as traffic accidents in the UAE increased by 8 per cent last year, with 4,748 recorded across the country, compared to 4,391 in 2023, figures from the Ministry of Interior show. According to Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, the increasing number of accidents is linked to population growth, more drivers and heavier traffic congestion. Mr Edelmann also drew attention to poor road etiquette and added that indicators are often not used when drivers change direction. He said focused education on proper signalling is needed. 'Earlier studies by Road Safety UAE showed that indicators are only used in about 50 per cent of manoeuvres, and even less among younger drivers,' he said. 'It is the law to always use indicators to signal intent. Without this communication, the safety of the driver and others is compromised.'
The National
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Abu Dhabi Police share crash video to warn drivers against sudden swerving
Abu Dhabi Police on Friday shared dramatic footage of a motorway crash caused by drivers abruptly switching lanes, to highlight the dangers of flouting the rules of the road. The force released a 30-second video showing drivers darting between lanes, initially narrowly avoiding a serious accident. The footage culminates with a collision between two cars as they both suddenly swerve into the left lane – also known as the overtaking or fast lane. One of the cars is sent careering into a road barrier, while the other driver veers into the middle of the road, into the path of other drivers. Police said such behaviour puts the lives of fellow road users at risk and warned that offenders face heavy punishments under the law. Drivers who drive in a manner which 'endangers the life of the driver or the lives, safety, or security of others' can be hit with a Dh2,000 fine, have up to 23 black points imposed on their licence and have their vehicle impounded for 60 days. Drivers must pay Dh50,000 to have a seized vehicle released. If this fee is not paid, the car will be put up for auction. Abu Dhabi Police regularly posts footage on social media of motorists causing accidents by flouting traffic rules, to raise awareness of the serious consequences of reckless driving. Traffic accidents in the UAE increased by 8 per cent last year, with 4,748 recorded across the country, compared to 4,391 in 2023, figures from the Ministry of Interior show. According to Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, the increasing number of accidents is linked to population growth, more drivers and heavier traffic congestion. Mr Edelmann also drew attention to poor road etiquette and added that indicators are often not used when drivers change direction. He said focused education on proper signalling is needed. 'Earlier studies by Road Safety UAE showed that indicators are only used in about 50 per cent of manoeuvres, and even less among younger drivers,' he said. 'It is the law to always use indicators to signal intent. Without this communication, the safety of the driver and others is compromised.'
Khaleej Times
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
10 killed in Dubai e-scooter, cycle accidents last year: Experts seek stricter rules, enforcement
Road safety experts are calling for stricter use of e-scooters, including the creation of a federal entity that will act as a neutral oversight for all aspects related to soft mobility and road safety. In February this year, two deaths were recorded in a span of three days involving two e-scooter riders who were both minors. A 15-year-old Indian student and badminton prodigy tragically passed away in an e-scooter incident near Al Nahda, close to Zulekha Hospital, on the evening of February 25. The young female athlete succumbed to injuries sustained in the road accident. Two days later, Sharjah Police reported a nine-year-old Arab boy who died in a collision with a vehicle while crossing the road on an electric scooter. By law, both minors were not allowed to use e-scooters on the road. In Dubai, the use of e-scooters is limited to individuals who are 16 years or older. A permit is also mandatory to be acquired from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), following passing the awareness training course available on RTA's website. In Sharjah, only those who are 14 and above are allowed to ride e-scooters on the streets. Last year, Dubai witnessed 254 accidents related to bicycles and e-scooters, resulting in 10 deaths and 259 injuries, including 17 severe injuries, 133 moderate injuries, and 109 minor injuries. Moreover, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) have recently revealed that cases of road accidents and fatalities have increased across the UAE. A total of 384 road deaths were recorded in 2024, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022. 'Where are the parents?' 'It is beyond comprehension what's happening with regards to e-scooters. It seems the population is not ripe for this kind of micro mobility,' Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Khaleej Times. 'Where are the parents? We see underage children with no helmet, no reflective vests, no lights, driving at their will on roads, against the flow of the traffic. We see two riders on board. We hardly see any child complying with the rules. Where are parents safeguarding their children,' he added. Edelmann also pointed out schools must play an important role in promoting safety culture. He suggested: 'There should be a mandatory road safety curriculum. Yes, authorities hold awareness session in schools, but they cannot be everywhere and the topic deserves an ongoing interaction with children, not seasonal discussions.' 'What needs to be done,' Edelmann underscored: 'We need to start a safety culture movement, where parents and schools must immediately focus on this. We need to equip, teach and protect our children relentlessly.' 'Besides all these behavioral points, more and better infrastructure needs to be created. More dedicated lanes will help. More crossings for pedestrians and micro-mobility users must be created. Existing walk ways - where possible - should be made multi-use and marked properly,' he added. Federal entity for road safety Emirati road safety expert Dr Mustafa Aldah, meanwhile, suggested the creation of a federal entity for road safety. He noted: 'I think it is high time for transport safety to fall under one clear entity — with a very wide remit — that can coordinate the efforts of all the other entities involved. It can act as a neutral oversight body for anything that affects safety, since we are at a point where shortcomings in parental supervision or ability are contributing to the problem. 'When we as a society do not do more to address the issues we have, we are effectively saying that we accept the status quo, so we either accept it and stop complaining about it, or take action to stop it at every level,' Dr Aldah, who is also founder of MA-Traffic Consulting, underscored. Sharing his personal view, Dr Aldah continued: 'Traffic tragedies are not new. My first exposure to traffic tragedies was in secondary school (in the 1990s), when an 18-year-old student of our school died in a sports car accident, and we were all sent to the school mosque to perform funeral prayers for him. Traffic tragedies have afflicted many families. 'So, it was with a heavy heart that I received the news of the latest young fatalities — it was especially hard when the people involved were not even adults. 'Yes, major improvements have been made in most areas, and we have record low numbers of traffic fatalities when compared to other international cities and countries, but when something like this happens, it begs the question: Have we done enough?' he added.
Hi Dubai
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
UAE's New Traffic Laws Aim to Curb Road Safety Violations, Experts Urge More Than Just Penalties
As the long Eid Al Fitr holidays come to a close, residents are returning to their daily routines, and with it, traffic congestion is making its annual resurgence. However, the roads now come with a new set of rules and stricter penalties following the enactment of updated federal traffic laws on March 29. These changes include severe fines and imprisonment for serious violations, with penalties reaching up to Dh200,000. While these changes have been largely welcomed by road safety experts, many caution that harsher penalties alone may not be sufficient to fully curb reckless driving behaviors. A Call for Cultural Change in Road Safety Experts argue that the success of these new laws hinges not just on their enforcement, but on a broader cultural shift towards responsible driving. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of safety that involves all road users. 'We need to create a culture of safety. We need to start a movement – parents and schools can help build on this. We need to equip, teach, and protect all users,' Edelmann said. He also advocated for greater police presence and stricter enforcement to deter unsafe driving habits. Improving Infrastructure for Pedestrians and Cyclists In addition to tougher penalties, Edelmann highlighted the need for better infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety. He recommended more dedicated lanes and improved crossings for pedestrians and micro-mobility users, as well as converting existing walkways into multi-use paths. "Stricter enforcement should go hand in hand with these measures, involving not only authorities but also security personnel in both communities and commercial areas," he added. Technology's Role in Road Safety Another key factor in enhancing road safety is the use of technology. With modern security cameras and radars now capable of detecting mobile phone use behind the wheel, even in heavily tinted cars, road safety experts are urging drivers to be more cautious. These advancements are expected to play a significant role in reducing violations like distracted driving, which continues to be a major contributor to road accidents. Education and Awareness: The Pillars of Long-Term Change Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, emphasized the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns. "Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains highly important in addressing road safety,' Clarke said. He pointed out that while severe penalties may have an immediate effect, they will not be enough if drivers perceive the risk of being caught as low. A Look at the Numbers: Fatalities on the Rise The latest figures from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) show that road fatalities have seen a slight uptick. In 2024, 384 people died in road accidents, a 9% increase from 2023. This reversal of the downward trend in fatalities over the past 15 years has raised concern, though experts like Dr. Mustafa Aldah, an Emirati road safety expert, noted that the UAE still performs better than many other countries in terms of road fatalities. Dr. Aldah, who is also the founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and a former head of traffic studies at Dubai Police, supports the government's decision to impose heavy fines for reckless driving, but stresses that more must be done to change driver behavior on a cultural level. A Recap of the New Traffic Offences and Penalties The new law, Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024, introduces severe penalties for a range of offenses: Jaywalking : Fines of Dh400 for crossing outside designated areas, with penalties increasing to up to Dh10,000 and imprisonment for accidents in high-speed zones. : Fines of Dh400 for crossing outside designated areas, with penalties increasing to up to Dh10,000 and imprisonment for accidents in high-speed zones. Driving Under the Influence : Fines up to Dh200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with severe penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspension and imprisonment. : Fines up to Dh200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with severe penalties for repeat offenders, including license suspension and imprisonment. Driving with a Suspended or Unrecognised License : Fines of up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognised foreign license. : Fines of up to Dh50,000 and imprisonment for driving with a suspended license or an unrecognised foreign license. Causing Death Due to Negligence: Offenders causing fatalities will face fines of at least Dh50,000, with higher penalties for offenses involving alcohol, drugs, or other aggravating circumstances. As the UAE enters this new era of road safety enforcement, experts agree that a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement, better infrastructure, educational initiatives, and technological tools, is needed to truly tackle the root causes of dangerous driving behaviors and make the roads safer for all users. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
02-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE's new traffic laws: Experts urge increased police presence, pedestrian lanes to boost road safety
After the long Eid Al Fitr holidays, residents are back to work, and traffic on the roads has picked up once again. With that in mind, it's important to remember that new traffic laws came into effect on Saturday, March 29, introducing significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to Dh200,000 for serious violations. Road safety experts have welcomed the changes to federal traffic laws but cautioned that severe penalties alone may not fully address bad road behaviour. They noted that some drivers may not be deterred if they "believe the risk of being caught is low". To truly address the issue, experts emphasise the need for stricter enforcement, alongside a broader cultural shift that promotes road safety for all. 'We need to create a culture of safety. We need to start a movement – parents and schools can help build on this. We need to equip, teach and protect all users," Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, told Khaleej Times. "There should be stricter enforcement and also more police presence to serve as deterrent." More infrastructure for pedestrians Edelmann also pointed out aside from stricter penalties, creating more pedestrian infrastructure is essential to addressing issues like jaywalking. 'Besides addressing behavioural issues, there is a need for better infrastructure, such as more dedicated lanes. Additionally, more pedestrian and micro-mobility crossings should be created. Existing walkways, where possible, should be converted into multi-use paths and properly marked,' he noted. 'Stricter enforcement should go hand in hand with these measures, involving not only the authorities but also security personnel in both communities and commercial and residential areas," he added. The role of technology is also critical in ensuring road safety. Drivers should be aware that modern security cameras and radars are now sophisticated enough to detect mobile phone use while driving, even in heavily tinted cars. Boosting road safety Road safety experts also stressed the importance of education and awareness in promoting responsible road behaviour. 'Educating drivers and all other road users about their responsibilities and the risks of poor behaviour remains highly important in addressing road safety,' Phil Clarke, director of road safety and enforcement at 4E Road Safety and Transport Consultants, earlier told Khaleej Times. "Severe penalties alone will not address the problem and may not deter some drivers who believe that the risk of being caught is low,' he underscored, noting: "Vehicle impounding is limited in value if drivers have access to more than one vehicle.' Emirati road safety expert Dr Mustafa Aldah, meanwhile, noted 'the levels that we are seeing in terms of fatalities have been very low the past couple of years — as compared to more than 15 years ago – so, we have been doing well.' 'It's a little sad that there's a reversal, going slightly upwards, but the overall number is still very low compared to other countries, added Dr Aldah, who is also founder of MA-Traffic Consulting and former head of the traffic studies section at the Dubai Police. Based on the open data uploaded in February by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), a total of 384 road deaths were recorded last year, up by 32 cases or 9 per cent more compared to 352 fatalities in 2023. This is also 12 per cent higher or 41 more than the 343 recorded in 2022. Dr Aldah reiterated he is in favour of the government's policy to impose hefty fines against reckless drivers. Offences and penalties Here's a recap of some of the offences and penalties under the under Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 On Traffic Regulation that was announced in October last year and took effect on March 29 this year: Jaywalking The new law targets various traffic offenses, imposing imprisonment and hefty fines of up to Dh2,000. Jaywalking or crossing from undesignated areas is now among the offences that come with heftier fines. While the fine for jaywalking remains Dh400, offenders involved in accidents could face imprisonment and fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000. Higher penalties will be imposed on violators who cross from undesignated areas in zones with a speed limit of 80 kmph or higher. Offenders will face imprisonment for at least three months and a fine starting at Dh10,000, or one of these two penalties. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs In addition to jaywalking, the new law imposes fines and penalties of up to Dh200,000 for violations such as driving under the influence of narcotics or psychotropic substances. Repeat offenders face imprisonment and increasing fines, with driving licenses suspended or revoked after multiple offences. For the first offence, the court will impose imprisonment and a fine of at least Dh30,000, with the driving licence suspended for a minimum of six months. For a second offense, the licence will be cancelled for one year, and for a third offence, the licence will be permanently revoked, with the violator facing with hefty fines. Driving with a suspended, unrecognised licence A jail term of up to three months was also specified for those caught driving with a suspended licence. A fine of not less than Dh10,000 may be imposed - or either of these two penalties. Anyone who drives a vehicle on UAE roads with a foreign driving licence that is not recognised in the country shall be punished by a fine of Dh2,000 to Dh10,000 for the first offence. There will also be imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000 - or any of these two penalties - for repeated offences. Driving without a proper licence Those caught driving without a licence or using a licence for a different type of vehicle will face imprisonment of up to three months and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh50,000, or by one of these two penalties. For example, individuals with a driver's licence are not permitted to ride a motorcycle, as it requires a separate permit. In the case of repeated offences, the driver will face imprisonment of no less than three months and a fine ranging from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties. Causing death due to negligence Whoever causes the death of a person on the road will be punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh50,000. However, if the offense occurs under any of the following aggravating circumstances, the penalty shall include imprisonment for no less than one year and a fine of no less than Dh100,000, or one of these two penalties:
