Gridlock Grief on UAE Roadways: A Persistent Trouble with Trucks
Traffic gridlock on E311 highway in UAE leads to 6 fatalities, 137 accidents; legislator demands swift intervention
In the daily grind of the traffic mayhem plaguing UAE commuters, new revelations expose that delays, fatalities, and chaos on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road (E311) - stemming from trucks - have claimed six lives and caused 137 accidents since the turn of the year. Bureaucrats and advocates alike are expressing concerns over road safety, congestion, and the galling stress of navigating snarled arteries on highways across the UAE.
FNC member Mohammed Al Kashf echoed those concerns during a recent meeting, addressing the ongoing issues near the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain exit in Umm Al Quwain, where trucks often halt on the roadside, leading drivers to plead day and night about the tangled congestion.
Al Kashf, focusing his concerns on Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, highlighted the Ministries acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding truck access at the Umm Al Quwain exit. A solution was proposed in the form of a "yellow box" system, intended to regulate traffic flow and eliminate congestion. However, some truck drivers continue to ignore road signs and signals, according to the Ministries statement, putting the safety of all at risk.
"Is this truly a fitting solution?" Al Kashf asked, presenting evidence of daily traffic jams. As residents voice their frustration each morning and evening, Al Kashf advocated for stronger, more innovative interventions, citing global practices that harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to manage traffic challenges and facilitate smoother travel.
Al Kashf suggested expanding the problematic exit to accommodate smoother truck movement, alongside clearer signage to improve road safety. A direct solution to this persistent issue is a must, he insisted.
As alarming stories from the roadways continue to surface, it's become clear that traditional traffic management systems may require an upgrade to keep up with the demand and needs of UAE commuters. The time may be ripe for AI and other advanced technologies to play a role in reimagining traffic solutions in the UAE.
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Haneen Dajani
Haneen Dajani is a seasoned journalist in Abu Dhabi with over fifteen years of experience. She brings a keen eye to local and international affairs, keeping readers well-informed in a fast-paced world. hdajani@our website
Sources:
- UAE traffic congestion records deaths, accidents
- Intelligent Transport Systems
- Electronic Toll Collection
- LiDAR Technology in Road Projects
- The persistent truck-related issues on UAE roads, such as the ones on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, have led to six deaths and 137 accidents since the beginning of the year, causing concern among bureaucrats and advocates about road safety, congestion, and stress for drivers.
- During a recent meeting, FNC member Mohammed Al Kashf expressed his concern about the ongoing problems at the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain exit in Umm Al Quwain, where trucks regularly obstruct the roadside, causing traffic jams.
- Al Kashf proposed a potential solution to the issue: a "yellow box" system designed to regulate traffic flow and eliminate congestion, but he also suggested that this might not be sufficient, and advocated for the use of advanced technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), to develop more innovative traffic management solutions.
- As the demand and needs of UAE commuters continue to grow, it may be necessary to upgrade traditional traffic management systems to include AI and other advanced technologies to ensure smoother commutes and improved road safety.
