In a move to curb rising pedestrian accidents, Sharjah Police have released a striking video that captures a fatal collision between a car and a pedestrian crossing recklessly. This comes as the UAE enforces stricter penalties for jaywalking under a new federal traffic law effective March 29, 2025. The authorities emphasize that unsafe crossing habits threaten lives and urge everyone to prioritize road safety by using designated pedestrian areas.
Video highlights fatal consequences of reckless crossing
Sharjah Police shared a video showing a tragic accident where a man attempts to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing but does so while the vehicle signal remains green. Despite crossing within the designated area, the pedestrian runs across recklessly, ignoring the traffic signal, which leads to a collision with an oncoming car and the loss of his life. The footage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed when pedestrians prioritize speed over safety. Authorities stress that many accident reports stem from unsafe crossing behavior, reinforcing the message that even a few seconds saved by rushing can have devastating consequences, not just for the individual but also their families and the wider community.
New federal traffic law introduces harsher penalties for Jaywalking
The UAE introduced a new federal traffic law on March 29, 2025, imposing tougher penalties on jaywalking to deter dangerous pedestrian behavior. Previously, the fine for jaywalking was Dh400. However, under the new regulation:
- If jaywalking results in a traffic accident, offenders face fines between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000, and may be subject to imprisonment.
- For crossing from undesignated areas on roads where the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, penalties increase sharply:
- A minimum fine of Dh10,000
- Imprisonment of at least three months
- Or both penalties can be applied.
These stringent measures highlight the government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing pedestrian accidents, especially in high-speed zones where risks multiply.
Authorities call for greater public awareness and compliance
Repeated campaigns by UAE authorities have urged pedestrians to cross roads only at designated areas and obey traffic signals. Despite these efforts, jaywalking continues to be a problem, prompting Sharjah Police to release the accident video as a cautionary tool. Officials emphasize that reckless crossing is not just an individual risk but endangers drivers and passengers as well. They remind the public that following traffic rules protects everyone on the road, and the new law reinforces the need for serious compliance.