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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Ajman e-scooter ban: UAE residents recount near-misses, say 'safety paramount'
The decision to ban the use of e-scooters in Ajman would inconvenience some commuters but must have come after a lot of careful consideration, a road safety expert says. Meanwhile, some residents said that the move was an understandable decision for the safety of the community. 'Authorities don't take such measures without a lot of thought,' said Dr Eng. Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA Traffic Consulting. 'There must be something major behind this decision, and in the coming days it will become clearer.' He noted that while most road users follow traffic laws, a reckless minority creates risks that can lead to severe accidents. 'All it takes is one injury or fatality to have a huge repercussion in society,' he added. It was on Friday that all Ajman Police announced that the use of electric scooters of all types would be prohibited on public streets. Last month, it issued an advisory asking riders of e-scooters and two-wheelers to follow rules on the road, warning against the use of unauthorised electric bicycles and scooters. Ajman resident Asha Jamal said that she understood why the move was important. 'During last Ramadan, I almost met with an accident when an e-scooter came towards me as the rider was was going in the wrong direction,' she said. 'The ban may be miserable for many but the safety of the road users and the e-scooter users themselves are paramount.' In 2024 alone, the city recorded 254 accidents involving e-scooters and bicycles, resulting in 10 fatalities and 259 injuries. Earlier this month, Abu Dhabi police released a video which highlighted the dangers of improper e-scooter use in public and residential areas, drawing strong reactions from residents across the UAE. Lack of proper knowledge Dr Aldah stressed that many e-scooter riders lack proper road knowledge, as some have never held a driving license. He described common dangerous practices, including riding against traffic at night without lights or reflective clothing. Another Ajman resident Parveen Backer described an incident she had witnessed. 'From our building, we need to take a right turn to access the main road,' she said. 'Drivers usually check for vehicles from the left, and if clear, proceed. One day, while a driver was waiting to turn, a boy aged around 15 or 16 suddenly appeared from the right side without warning. Fortunately, the driver was moving slowly, and both escaped unharmed. Otherwise, it would have been a terrible tragedy.' In February this year, a 15-year-old badminton player lost her life in a tragic incident when the e-scooter she was driving on got into an accident. Later, her childhood friend called for tighter rules on the vehicle to ensure such incidents don't repeat. Timely move According to Dr Aldah, the ban by Ajman police is timely. 'Vulnerable road users can make up to 50 per cent of fatalities on the road so we must all watch out for each other,' he said, praising the swift and proactive approach to road safety regulations. He pointed out that that safety gear, visibility, and vehicle maintenance are essential for riders in areas where scooters remain permitted. He also urged targeting awareness campaigns at schools and parents, citing recent incidents involving children, including fatalities. Asha added that the ban would impact people she worked closely with. 'My household help commutes to and from our house in an e-scooter,' she said. 'This ban will definitely impact his timeliness but that is a small price to pay for his safety. He is now trying to sell it so that he can get money to find another mode of transport to commute to his accommodation.'
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah hit-and-run arrest: Dash cams, social media can deter reckless driving, say experts
When a Sharjah motorist caused a three-car crash and fled the scene earlier this week, the driver might have assumed the act would go unnoticed. Instead, within hours, a viral clip showing the incident was circulating across social media platforms, and police had already made an arrest. The 41-second video showed a white pick-up truck abruptly swerving across lanes at high speed, colliding with a vehicle that then rammed into a third. Moments later, the driver of the pick-up sped away without stopping, a blatant violation of UAE traffic law. Sharjah Police tracked down and arrested the suspect within six hours. While no injuries were reported, the crash sparked widespread outrage and a larger discussion around how digital tools like dash cams and social media are becoming critical to road safety enforcement in the UAE. Viral accountability "Technology and public awareness have created a new layer of deterrence," said Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA Traffic Consulting. "Drivers are increasingly aware that any reckless move can end up online and under investigation within minutes." Aldah noted that Article 5 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 requires drivers involved in any accident to report the incident to authorities within three hours, unless there is a justifiable reason for delay. Failure to comply could result in stiff penalties, especially in hit-and-run cases. "Under Article 38, fleeing the scene of an accident, particularly if there are injuries, carries imprisonment of up to two years and a fine ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000," Aldah explained. "What's more, even the owner of the vehicle can be held liable if they withhold key information that could aid an investigation." While the law is strict, Aldah believed public behavior plays a crucial role. "The more advanced the road manners of drivers, the safer our streets become. What used to take decades to change can now evolve in weeks, thanks to the power of viral videos and digital education campaigns," Aldah said. He added, "We've already seen huge strides in the UAE's traffic culture. But regular reminders on social media, especially targeting younger drivers, can help accelerate that progress. I wish everyone, especially our youth, safe travels.' Hit-and-run insurance But for victims, a hit-and-run doesn't end with an arrest. It's often the beginning of a complex insurance process. "Immediately reporting the incident to the police is crucial," said Dev Maitra, Founder and Managing Director, Savington International Insurance Brokers. "Without an official police report, insurance claims can't even be initiated." If the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured, victims with comprehensive policies may still receive compensation, but those with third-party coverage often face serious obstacles. "Third-party insurance doesn't cover hit-and-runs unless the driver is caught and proven liable," he said. Additional hurdles include: Delays in claims due to investigation timelines. Lower compensation or outright denial if insurers suspect fraud. Victims being forced to pursue civil compensation through the courts in cases where the offender lacks coverage. Even when the offender is identified, the victim's payout usually depends on the incident, not the driver's past violations. However, a history of infractions could lead to harsher criminal or civil penalties for the perpetrator. Fighting fraud with data To combat fraud and speed up legitimate claims, UAE insurers are increasingly using tools like dash cam footage, telematics data, and digital claims portals. "We now see more cases where dash cam evidence becomes the key factor in validating what actually happened," Mustafa noted. Red flags for fraud include: Inconsistent accounts or delayed reporting. Claims that don't match physical damage. Suspiciously high repair estimates or frequent claims by the same person. "In high-risk cases, insurers may deny claims and refer the matter to police," he warned. "That's why transparency, evidence, and timeliness are critical." Some insurers, including those Savington partners with, offer WhatsApp-based claim tracking and digital submission platforms to make the process more accessible and less intimidating for motorists.
Hi Dubai
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Launches Special Unit to Crack Down on E-Scooter, Cycling Violations
In a significant move to enhance road safety and ensure responsible use of personal mobility devices, Dubai has introduced a dedicated Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit to oversee cycling and e-scooter activities. The initiative aims to enforce compliance with existing regulations and reduce accidents involving these popular modes of transport. According to road safety and driving expert Mustafa Aldah, the unit is a step in the right direction. 'This new special unit sends a strong message to the public. It's about saving lives,' said Aldah, who is also the founder of MA Traffic Consulting. He expressed hope that the initiative would bring the number of e-scooter-related deaths and injuries down to zero. Aldah drew a parallel with efforts from the early 2000s when pedestrian fatalities accounted for nearly 50% of road deaths. Back then, dedicated task forces and stricter enforcement led to a notable drop in illegal pedestrian crossings and casualties. 'Once people saw authorities taking action, they started taking safety seriously,' he noted. The growing popularity of e-scooters and bicycles in urban areas has led to rising concerns over their safe use. Under current regulations, riders must stick to designated lanes, avoid carrying passengers or unbalanced loads, never ride against traffic, and always wear helmets and protective gear. Violators face fines of up to Dh300. In 2024 alone, nearly 40,000 violations involving e-scooters and bicycles were recorded across Dubai. Residents have welcomed the new monitoring unit, viewing it as a necessary measure to promote accountability. Marco Dante, a 40-year-old software engineer living in Arjan, shared his concerns about nighttime safety. 'My favourite time is walking with my family at night. But lately, we've had to stay alert even on pedestrian-only paths — e-scooters often zip past without lights or even a bell,' he said. 'This initiative will hopefully encourage people to follow road rules.' Former e-scooter user Fahima Mustafa echoed similar sentiments. 'I used an e-scooter when I first started working. It was convenient, but since then, I've seen more accidents,' she said. Fahima praised the new unit, saying it reflects the seriousness of the issue. 'It will remind everyone that e-scooters aren't toys — they're vehicles that come with responsibility.' As Dubai continues to promote alternative modes of transport, the introduction of this monitoring unit signals a stronger push for safer, more regulated mobility for all road users. News Source: Khaleej Times
