The INRIX 2018 Global Traffic Scorecard has ranked Dubai as the most congested city of the UAE. According to the findings of this global survey, motorists in Dubai had to spend nine working days stuck in traffic during 2018. The frustrating traffic jams increased commuting challenges for motorists and made it difficult for authorities to maintain a smooth flow of traffic.
The increasing number of vehicles has been identified as a major reason behind traffic congestion in the emirate. Most of the busy roads of Dubai remain crowded with heavy traffic, particularly during school hours, which adds to the frustration of motorists and disrupts the flow of traffic.
Besides the increasing number of vehicles, there are also many other reasons behind the occurrence of traffic jams in Dubai. The new survey also released information about traffic jams recorded in Abu Dhabi where motorists had to spend 50 hours in traffic delays during 2018.
Details of the New Global Survey on Traffic Congestions
The International Transport Consultancy INRIX conducted a global survey to rank cities on the basis of traffic congestions recorded in these cities. The INRIX 2018 Global Traffic Scorecard involved 220 cities, which also included Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Listed below are the findings of the global survey about Dubai and Abu Dhabi:
- Dubai was ranked as the 79th most congested city in the world as motorists in Dubai had to spend nine working days stuck in traffic during 2018.
- Abu Dhabi was ranked as the 180th most congested city in the world as motorists in Abu Dhabi spent 50 hours of 2018 stuck in traffic.
The survey results have also revealed that Dubai has significantly improved from its last year’s ranking (66th) while Abu Dhabi recorded a marginal improvement from its last year’s ranking (179th). While the improvement in ranking is a positive sign, it is not satisfactory by any means, particularly when we take into account the number of hours spent in traffic by motorists in Dubai.
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Reasons behind Frustrating Traffic Jams in Dubai
The number of privately owned and commercial vehicles is increasing by the day in Dubai, which is a major reason behind frustrating traffic jams. Thomas Edelmann, the Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE is also of the view that the high number of cars on Dubai roads is leading to traffic problems. He said no one wants traffic delays and being stuck in a traffic jam can frustrate motorists to an extent that they can lose their calmness and commit dangerous driving mistakes.
According to Thomas Edelmann, many motorists can be seen driving on the hard shoulder in traffic jams, which is a dangerous practice. Additionally, motorists can commit other traffic violations such as sudden swerving, tailgating and jumping the red signal in their desperation to get through the traffic jams.
Such driving behavior can cause dangerous road accidents and result in fatalities and major injuries on busy roads. He added that the current infrastructure of roads is not designed to withstand such an influx of heavy traffic, which increases the need for reducing the number of vehicles on Dubai roads.
Traffic jams in Dubai are also often caused by reckless driving behavior of motorists. Dubai has a diverse traffic culture, mainly because of a high expatriate population in the emirate. Expatriates can often commit serious traffic violations due to their lack of familiarity with the traffic culture and limited understanding of the traffic rules. These violations include overtaking from the right side, driving on the hard shoulder, tailgating and over-speeding to name a few significant ones. These violations can disrupt the smooth flow of traffic and can cause frustrating traffic jams and dangerous road situations.
Blocking traffic at an accident site is also one of the major reasons behind traffic jams in Dubai. Authorities have repeatedly advised motorists to avoid blocking the way of other vehicles at an accident site as it can cause traffic delays. Blocking traffic can result in serious traffic jams and can also increase the risk of collision between other vehicles.
Our streets are much safer when we commit and obey traffic laws and regulations. Join the “ #ADayWithoutAccidents ” Campaign, register and take the Pledge to ensure the beginning of new academic year ,2/9 , is a traffic accidents-free day.
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— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) August 31, 2018
How Traffic Jams Can Be Reduced in Dubai?
Dubai has been identified as one of the most congested cities in the world in the INRIX 2018 Global Traffic Scorecard. According to Thomas Edelmann, authorities should identify the areas where most of the traffic jams occur and improve the infrastructure in those areas to reduce traffic jams. He also suggested that public transportation standards should be raised to urge more motorists to abandon their private vehicles and use public transport.
The 10th Car Free Day was celebrated in Dubai and other emirates of the country last Sunday. While a large number of motorists supported the Car Free Day and the idea behind it to cut traffic congestions, they recommended improvements to be made in the public transport system for finding a sustainable solution for Dubai’s traffic problems. This situation is expected to improve in the coming years with authorities taking several initiatives to raise public transport standards in the emirate.
Motorists also need to play an active role in reducing traffic jams as a number of traffic jams in Dubai are a direct result of reckless driving behavior of motorists. The risk of frustrating traffic jams can decrease significantly if motorists follow traffic rules and adopt a defensive driving approach. A mutual effort from all stakeholders including traffic authorities, government and motorists can potentially help in reducing traffic jams in Dubai.
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