Traffic accidents can, and do, happen anywhere. Yet, there are sites were accidents occur repeatedly. These ‘black spots’ are something that should be on top of the priority list of any transport authority.

Asked what the most dangerous black spots of Dubai are, Maitha bin Adai, CEO of the Traffic and Road Agency (TRA) at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), explains that they cannot be termed ‘black spots’, but explains what the agency is doing to minimise mishaps at pots where they recur the most.

“There are no serious safety issues or repeated accidents identified on Dubai roads that have not been dealt with within the specified time frame,” she first notes.

However, there are several spots that deserve attention this year, she continues. “Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Qouz Industrial Area, Al Khail Road and Sonapur Labour Camp are examples of the current safety projects of the RTA.”

The frequency of casualties and the number of traffic accidents recorded over three successive years classify specific areas as recurrent accident sites, the CEO explained.

Last year, the RTA revealed to have identified 50 black spots in Dubai in the previous year, of which 22 were immediately re-dressed, work was under construction in 23 more locations, while 5 locations were being re-designed.

Since the black point system was adopted in 2009, traffic safety measures were carried out in 110 sites at the point of addressing the topic last year. The RTA announced at the time that improved traffic measures had contributed to reducing mortality rates of run-over accidents by 36 per cent, speed-related traffic deaths by 86 per cent, red signal jumping mortality rates by 36 per cent and fatalities due to collision against fixed objects by 35 per cent.

“More than 90 per cent of road accidents in the emirate are caused by human error and the major causes of accidents at all locations is not keeping a safe distance between cars, over-speeding, red light crossings, not respecting other road users, careless driving, sudden lane change and sometimes minor road infrastructure design issues, etc,” said Maitha.

A new black spot analysis system is currently being developed by the RTA. The new system includes an electronic program which provides specialists with the required data, information and tools necessary for taking appropriate decisions in dealing with traffic safety issues.