Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
The UAE recorded 384 road fatalities in 2024, marking a 9% increase compared to 2023, when 352 deaths were reported, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Additionally, 6,062 people were injured in 4,748 major accidents, reflecting an 8% rise in injuries from the previous year.
The growing number of accidents and casualties comes as the country’s road network sees increasing usage, with 383,086 new driving licences issued in 2024 alone.
Dubai recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 158 deaths, followed by Abu Dhabi with 123, Sharjah with 32, Ras Al Khaimah with 30, Umm Al Quwain with 18, Fujairah with 12, and Ajman with 11.
According to RoadSafetyUAE, a non-profit organisation dedicated to road safety, 68% of fatalities and 62% of injuries were caused by five major violations: distracted driving, tailgating, sudden deviation, negligence and inattention, and lack of lane discipline.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, emphasised the urgency of addressing these violations, stating that while efforts are being made to improve road safety, the increasing number of residents and road users makes enforcement and education even more critical. He noted that the growing fatalities among vulnerable road users, particularly motorcyclists, micro-mobility riders, and pedestrians, demand immediate intervention.
The report also found that young road users between the ages of 19 and 29 were the most vulnerable group, accounting for 40% of all fatalities, an increase from 38% in 2023. The same age group also represented 42% of injuries, up from 36%. Edelmann called on driving schools, universities, employers, and parents to take greater responsibility in promoting road safety awareness among younger drivers, stressing that safe habits must be cultivated from an early age. “Safe habits should be created as early as possible, at kindergarten and school level, the driving school education could be revisited, staged driving licenses and monitoring technologies for novice drivers should be considered,” Edelmann observed.
The statistics further revealed that motorcyclists and micro-mobility riders were overrepresented in fatal accident figures. A total of 67 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2024, making up 17% of all fatalities, a sharp increase from 12% in 2023. Additionally, 19 deaths were recorded among micro-mobility users, including cyclists, e-bike riders, and scooter users, accounting for 5% of total fatalities, up from 4% the previous year. Run-over accidents claimed 61 lives, constituting 16% of total fatalities.
Edelmann also pointed out that 98% of accidents occurred in good weather and clear road conditions, making it evident that driver behaviour, rather than external factors, played a significant role in the rising number of casualties. He urged for greater awareness and responsibility among motorists, stating that reckless driving, inattentiveness, and lack of discipline continue to be the primary causes of fatal accidents.
The report identified Fridays and evenings as the most dangerous times for road users, with 63 fatalities recorded on Fridays alone. Mohamed bin Zayed Road witnessed 40 fatalities, while Sheikh Zayed Road, despite being one of the busiest highways in the country, saw only six deaths.
Edelmann stressed the need for stricter enforcement, enhanced road safety education, and comprehensive initiatives to curb the rising number of road accidents. He urged stakeholders, including government agencies, corporations, and educational institutions, to play an active role in promoting safer road practices. He added that the legal framework surrounding road safety must be reviewed and strengthened, particularly for vulnerable road users such as motorcycle delivery riders.
