The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has recently released ‘open data’ on road safety statistics for 2023, shedding light on which roads and streets are more accident-prone. The data showcases that Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311), a major UAE road, had the highest number of accidents last year, with 266 individuals involved, including 43 fatalities. This was followed by Emirates Road with 122 deaths and injuries combined, and Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road with a total of 147 casualties. Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road and Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road rounded up the top five most dangerous roads in the country.
The remaining five most dangerous roads in the UAE include Abu Dhabi-Al Sila, Dubai-Al Ain, Tarif, Khor Fakkan, and Al Khail. According to Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, the ranking of dangerous roads is based on the number of fatalities as it is the strongest indicator in road safety. The MoI data also revealed that Abu Dhabi had the highest number of fatalities, while Dubai had the most injuries in 2023. In terms of road deaths, Abu Dhabi registered 133 fatalities, followed by Dubai with 121, and Sharjah with 34.
Despite the rise in accidents and injuries, Edelmann noted a positive development as fatality numbers remained near an all-time low. There were 352 road fatalities in the country in 2023, a slight increase from the previous year but a significant decrease from 2021. Edelmann emphasized the importance of increased efforts to improve road safety through education and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. He also highlighted the need for a strong focus on the younger population segments, as drivers in the 19-29 and 30-39 age groups accounted for over 60% of casualties.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for drivers to embrace their responsibility for the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians. Edelmann stressed the importance of raising awareness among the youth and enforcing road safety measures to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the UAE’s roads. By working together to prioritize safety and implement preventive measures, the country can continue on the path towards reducing road fatalities and ensuring a safer driving environment for everyone.
