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Dubai: A total of 200 metres of trees on Al Wasl Road blocking the line of sight at U-turns should be removed because they have been the main cause of fatal accidents that have claimed six lives so far, said a senior traffic official on Saturday.
"Traffic lights should also be installed to make it easier for drivers to turn without danger," Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution, told Gulf News.
His comments came after an accident that claimed the lives of three people, including a five-year-old boy. The victims were burnt to death when their car was hit by another vehicle while making a U-turn on Al Wasl Road at 10:45pm on Friday.
"A year ago two young people also burnt to death in a similar accident when another vehicle collided with their car.
"Friday's accident is the second of its kind and that is why we believe removing the trees and installing traffic lights will be a solution," said Bu Farousha.
Paramedics and rescue teams worked at the accident scene until 2.30am Saturday.
Initial investigations showed the deceased driver had reportedly caused the accident by making a U-turn. The two vehicles jumped over the pavement and hit a villa wall.
Al Wasl Road was blocked in both directions for more than 500 metres. The accident scene was quickly cordoned off. A large number of onlookers gathered on the side of the road.
"The three deceased are believed to be Pakistanis. The other car's two passengers sustained minor injuries. The deceased driver, who was making a U-turn, seems to have failed to check if the road was clear. Our investigations are ongoing," said Bu Farousha. He was accompanied by assistant chief prosecutor Mohammad Hasan Abdul Rahim on a visit to the accident scene, near the Iranian Hospital.
An official at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority said their team would inspect the scene and take steps to prevent more accidents.
Busy road
At least two young people burnt to death in January last year at a dangerous U-turn on Al Wasl Road, prompting the authorities to close the turn.
This road which has become very busy since July last year as many motorists use this road to avoid Salik toll on Shaikh Zayed Road. The RTA cut the maximum speed on this road from 80 km/h to 70km/h a few months ago.
Are you aware of any other areas or roads that could pose danger to motorists and residents? What safety steps do you take to avoid accidents? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form Below to Send your comments.
Your comments
Don't remove the trees, remove the dangerous drivers off the roads!
Joey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 14:39
I agree with some of the readers who opposed the cutting of trees at the U-turn. It is the recklessness of the drivers and not the innocent trees. We are talking about a green world and now we talk about cutting the greenery. How sad it is to see a tree being cut due to human negligence.
Muralidhar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 13:18
I feel very sad for the loss of lives, but trees can't be blamed for this accident! Please look for the real causes of such accidents. That's reckless driving!
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 13:12
It is sad that it takes two major accidents for the officials to take action, but better late than never.
Alita
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 12:58
Generally, I believe most accidents in the UAE are caused by drivers' mistakes. However, an obstructed view of the roads makes the situation more dangerous. Apart from trees and shrubs I have noticed that many advertising boards on the central reservation of Al Wasl Road (usually advertising fast food brands or perfume) can make it difficult to clearly see ahead.
Jessica
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 12:32
It seems a few people write mails to criticise others instead of addressing the problem or at least agreeing with it. I agree that there are various places where the view is obstructed by the trees or shrubs. The traffic and municipal departments can coordinate and sort out this issue. Of course accidents are caused by careless driving too, but lets not ignore the other reasons.
Syed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 12:31
Half of the drivers in Dubai should be removed from the roads. Leave the trees, they have nothing to do with road safety.
Sarmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 12:00
I've recently moved to Dubai and noticed a big problem with trees, shrubs and signs blocking view at intersections, corners, U-turn locations etc. etc. This is purely a lack of traffic planning
I'm surprised at what I have seen here in Dubai. Given the fact that most of the roads are relatively new, it is strange that the vision triangle - a well known standard traffic planning policy - has not been implemented here.
Rob
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 11:52
Please don't cut down the trees, but try alternate methods instead.
Leena
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 11:16
Probably putting the traffic signals on the U-turns will be more effective than removing trees. I have always noticed that when you take a U-turn the other cars would increase their speed to avoid getting delayed. The reckless drivers are the cause of accidents not the trees.
Jasmine
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 11:06
It is not the trees that cause accidents; it is poor and arrogant driving in Dubai that cause accidents. Together with the no fear attitude which I believe is a major contributor towards accidents.
Hilton
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 10:52
I wonder if the oncoming car had its headlights switched on, so that it can be seen properly from a distance. I have seen so often people driving at night without switching on the lights and for sure hard to trace for others
Imran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 10:44
Strange in the EU we put trees and shrubs, to make the roads look nice, and they do not cause accidents. So why blame the trees... the quality of the driving is the problem, also the dark windows (which is illegal... but we all see them)
Dez
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 10:40
Roads in Mirdif are getting extremely dangerous, the roundabout at Uptown is like a formula 1 race track. There is no way to avoid using this roundabout unless one drive to Mizhar and turn round there! Mirdif is a hugely populated area with virtually no pavements and NO WAY of crossing Algeria Street, which divides Mirdif in half, to get from one side to the other is dangerous at any time. Please supply traffic lights at the U-turns, a proper pedestrian crossing with traffic lights and improve the roundabout at Spinneys.
Jane
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 10:00
I think that driving carefully and slowly is how people in the UAE should do. RAK is one of the most dangerous places to drive as there are many heavy vehicles on road. Moreover, they do not care of taking a U turn when it is restricted for them or at least look before taking one.
Nada
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:55
I am aware of a road that is very dangerous and many fatal accidents occur on it on regular basis, however, no actions have been taken. This is the road that goes from green community round about (al Houd round about) on Emirates road towards green community and Dubai investment park. This road is only one side per direction and their is no dividers in between,
Abdullatif Abu Issa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:47
I am a regular traveler of Al Khail road from Rashidiya to Al Quz vise versa.
The recently constructed bridge on the exit of Wasel/Safa have daily minor/major accidents the reason is that the way (from business way crossing and mainline) is merging together on the top of bridge and the exit is starting from the same point.
Abdullatief
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:44
Not only the trees are a danger in every corner of the streets also the large garbage bins which are placed in every corner of the street is blocking the sights of the pedestrian and oncoming vehicle.
carlo
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:24
I don't know from where these officials get their training, blaming the trees for the drivers? mistake, and for the failing to give priority, or for the fact that when one makes a U-turn it is at his own risk. There is no speed bump for the main flow to stop the other drivers who usually accelerate when they see a car making a U-turn. Please keep the trees unharmed, we do not have many, and close the U-turns or put up speed bumps.
Thomas
Fujairah,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:13
This is a very serious issue, in Al Ain city, while approaching some roundabouts and some U-turns, they have these shrubs which obstruct the view of the drivers. The authorities have to do something to remove these blind spots.
Alias
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 09:10
I am glad the RTA realised this problem at last. Now if someone would do something about the similar situation in Jebel Ali Free Zone, it would be a great help.
Svetlana
Dubai,India
Posted: May 11, 2008, 08:58
There are even cars which are parked on the footpaths, as well as beside the footpaths, which block the sight of cars making a U-turn. In Rashidiya, opposite the police station, people are parking on the footpath, where there is a U-turn near the souq.
jack
dubai,uae
Posted: May 11, 2008, 08:45
The trees are not the cause of the accident, anyone can see in the picture that there is enough space to move forward another metre so the road is perfectly visible. The cause of the accidents is the rush and carelessness of the drivers. The rule at the U-turn is simple, don't take the turn unless the road is clear.
Jean
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 08:36
I agree with the traffic officer to remove the trees blocking the views of the motorists. I also would suggest the removal of certain advertising boards kept at the road level at certain roundabouts, which are blocking the views of the motorists.
S.N.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 08:19
I have seen many places in Jumeirah where the road vision is blocked by trees and garbage bins.
Haja
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 08:03
How can you be serious, Dubai has few trees as it is. At 10.45pm on a Friday night, it is clear that poor driving is the sole cause of these accidents, not trees or U-turns. The standard of driving in the UAE is the worst I have ever seen in any country in the world. Until we address that problem, these accidents will continue.
Thomas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 11, 2008, 06:26
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