DUBAI 18 September 2018: High-tech crash response vehicles have been introduced on Dubai roads by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police.
The Traffic Incidents Management Unit vehicles was launched by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director-General and Chairman, and Major General Abdullah Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police General HQ.
The cars will be deployed on a 70-km stretch of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road on a trial base for one year.
Comprehensive studies about the management of traffic accidents in Dubai show that about 250,000 vehicles experience breakdown on roads each year, and about 200 minor traffic accidents occur in the Dubai annually.
Studies reveal that the Traffic Incidents Management scheme will:
- Reduce accidents clearance rate by 35%
- Slash congestion and associated costs by 25% and
- Curb the potentials of secondary accidents
The unit’s vehicles are fitted with advanced technologies such as interactive screens and communication devices, among others. These vehicles will be stationed at five sites on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Each vehicle will cover about 13 km to ensure speedy access to accident scenes in no more than 10 minutes.
The Unit will cater to:
- Vehicles breakdown
- Rapid intervention at site and surrounding roads
- Handling of minor accidents that do not warrant the presence of the police
- Remove vehicles involved in traffic accidents
- Restore traffic movement back to normal
- Assess damage inflicted to the infrastructure
- File relevant reports
- Create detours at site or surrounding roads
- Assist road users
- Lend assistance to the police at site
- Protect parked vehicles
- Provide traffic support during events
The launch of the Traffic Incidents Management Unit reflects the solid relationships between RTA and Dubai Police and their concerted traffic safety strategy, which is aligned with Dubai’s strategy and traffic safety plans. The objective of this move is to make Dubai a safe and stable city that cares for the protection of lives and properties.
Al Tayer said, “The Traffic Incidents Management scheme… aims to ensure rapid clearance of vehicles involved in minor incidents or experiencing breakdown on roads besides alleviating snarls and streamlining traffic flow at site.
“The scheme will cut short the time taken to remove affected vehicles and fend off potential secondary accidents triggered by the sudden traffic build up. The SMZ Road was selected as it is a high traffic density area, especially in peak times, and has a high rate of minor traffic incidents and vehicles breakdown,” added Al Tayer.
Major General Al Marri said Dubai Police will investigate serious accidents, injuries, and traffic offences. It will also provide judicial support to the Unit, monitor traffic cameras and handle rescue operations among others.
“RTA will provide technical support to the Traffic Incidents Management Unit, and look after traffic diversions, light signals timings, virtual messaging signs, and tactical traffic signs. It will also monitor the traffic movement as well as response plans, in addition to cameras at site and preparing the infrastructure for the trial site,” explained Al Marri.