How many times have you stood before a pedestrian crossing and waited for cars to pass by? Most of us do it in the UAE. But according to international driving rules, it is the responsibility of the driver to stop or slow down to the minimum speed, when approaching a zebra crossing.

* According to Gulf News reader Jamila Boulakhrif, motorists have become used to getting their way on the roads — a downside for pedestrians. She says: 'Most drivers simply drive over pedestrian crossings without any consideration.' * Image Credit: Jamila Boulakhrif, Gulf News reader

This allows pedestrians to cross roads safely, rather than run across while dodging vehicles and endangering themselves.

I always make it a point to stop for pedestrians. Most of the time, I need to wave to the pedestrians or signal to them that I am willing to let them cross and do not mind waiting.

For most pedestrians, this comes as a surprise and we motorists even get a “thank you” wave back. Either that or they keep staring fearfully at us while crossing, as they think we are capable of driving on at any moment.

Most drivers simply drive over pedestrian crossings without any consideration.

Ultimately, it boils down to a simple question of respect. It is also a selfish act to claim the road for yourself just because you are sitting in a vehicle.

This bad habit has become so ingrained in motorists, even people with good driving skills have adopted the practice. All of a sudden, something that is wrong has become acceptable for most people.

You would not want your children to cross a road and be driven over. Neither would you want it to happen to you when you use public transport.

More controls

The concerned authorities should enforce more controls at zebra crossings. As public transport in Dubai grows and Dubai Metro construction moves towards its finishing stages, it is time to give this matter priority.

How would people be encouraged to use the Metro or the bus instead of a car, when getting to the respective stations has become so dangerous?

Despite all the bad experiences, I still do stop at zebra crossings for pedestrians. If motorists behind me are speeding, they are welcome to bump into my car. I would rather have a dent in my car, than a pedestrian on my windshield.

- The reader works as cabin crew, in Dubai.

DUBAI — Dubai Municipality has declared February 17 as “car free day”.

Dubai metro

More than 1,500 employees and officials of the civic body will switch to public transport next Wednesday to spread awareness about air pollution, Director General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah announced at a press conference 
on Tuesday.

The transport sector contributed to 42 per cent of carbon dioxide emission in the emirate. Almost 90 per cent of this — which equals to over 20million kg of carbon dioxide per day — came from petrol and diesel used in cars, according to 2009 statistics released by the department, said Hamdan Khalifa Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department.

Lootah said the aim of the initiative —a first of its kind from the government sector in UAE — was to encourage everyone to minimise the use of cars and reduce the amount of carbon emission.

“Even if it is (for) one day, the concept will be followed up with the cooperation of individuals and companies,” said Lootah.

“We are sure other departments and public will follow. Environment is not only the responsibility of government bodies. Everyone in the society has a role and responsibility towards its protection,” he said.

The concept of “car free day” originated in the US following the oil crisis in 1970. In 1999, European cities marked the first World Car Free Day and more than 1,500 cities across the globe now participate in the movement that encourages communities to adopt alternative transport instead of private vehicles.

By introducing the concept here, Dubai municipality hopes to set an example and has invited other departments and companies to encourage people to use Dubai Metro, RTA buses and water taxis.

The civic chief said he would take the Metro to reach office on the “car 
free day”.

“Anyone coming late will be fined,” he said citing that using public transport should not be an excuse for being late to office.

Visitors to the Municipality are also urged to participate in the initiative which will see the parking lots in the Municipality’s main building in Deira closed for the entire day.

Lootah said the civic body also planned to encourage its office employees to use Metro on a regular basis. “We can pay for their tickets…we will be reducing carbon emission and at the same time, we will be saving parking space as well.”

Al Shaer said a report about the result of implementing the initiative would be prepared later.

In November, Municipality had announced the “green parking” project which will introduce green specifications for parking lots. Lootah said the details of the progress in the project would be revealed soon.

sajila@khaleejtimes.com