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Dubai: 13 people died in jaywalking, scooter accidents during first five months of 2025
Thirteen people have died in Dubai from January to May this year due to jaywalking and scooter misuse, Dubai Police revealed on Friday. In 2024, Dubai recorded 254 e-scooter and bicycle-related accidents, resulting in 10 fatalities and 259 injuries, 17 of which were serious.
Over the past five months, Dubai Police said they issued 28,027 fines for jaywalking and seized 15,029 scooters. Authorities said these are their strong response 'to the urgent need to curb unsafe behaviours' as improper crossings and scooter misuse led to 13 fatalities from January to May this year.
Concerned parents and residents have raised the issue with Khaleej Times that the number of electric bikes and e-scooters being recklessly operated by unlicensed teenagers is on the rise. In February this year alone, two e-scooter-related deaths occurred in a span of just three days — both involving minors aged 15 and nine.
Whether riding alone or in groups, these minors are seen navigating busy roads and traffic lanes with little to no experience, often ignoring traffic laws and without any parental supervision, concerned individuals noted.
In a video shared on social media, Dubai Police showed residents crossing undesignated ares, risking their lives. Some e-scooter riders were also not using helmets and riding on the main roads, close to fast-moving cars. Watch the video here:
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Higher penalties
Meanwhile, crossing from undesignated areas is among the offences that now come with higher fines. The violation is punishable by a Dh400 penalty but jaywalkers could face imprisonment and a fine of Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 — if the offence results in a traffic accident.
Higher penalties will be imposed on any person who crosses from undesignated areas with a 80kmph speed limit or higher. They will be punished with imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and a fine of not less than Dh10,000, or by one of these two penalties.
Maj-Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, acting assistant commandant for operations at Dubai Police, said they are 'actively conducting awareness and educational campaigns, in cooperation with the Roads and Transport Authority, to enhance traffic awareness among all community members, especially youth and visitors in commercial and residential areas, to foster a culture of law compliance and ensure everyone's safety.'
He urged the public to use pedestrian bridges and designated crossings and follow guidelines for e-scooter use to improve traffic flow and protect lives. He added that any dangerous driving behaviours can be reported through the Dubai Police app or by calling 901.
