The UAE continues its focused journey to reducing the number of fatalities on our roads. Fatality numbers hover near the ‘All Time Low’ which we witnessed last year (343), although with a slight increase of +3% to 352, and with -8% vs. 2021.
The long-term trend is remarkable, as the last time the UAE reported more than 1,000 traffic fatalities (1,072) was in the year 2008, resulting in a -67% drop of road fatalities over the last 15 years.
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) just uploaded ‘open data’ road safety statistics for 2023.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE comments on the findings: “We are grateful to MOI for releasing the detailed 2023 road safety statistics early in the year. The strongest indicator in road safety is the number of fatalities, and as this number is hovering near the ‘All Time Low’, which is wonderful news. However, the rise in accidents and injuries is alarming, substantiating the need for a continued focus on road safety.
The main 5 violations accounting for 70% of fatalities (64% of injured) must be tackled. This concentration of only 5 violations is even more pronounced than in the previous years. All involved public and private stakeholders are urged to consider how they can contribute to improving the situation, for example by running engaging awareness campaigns and initiatives with their audiences like staff and customers, as their touch-points can really help us making a difference. Ideally, schools and employers should play a vital role in addressing the road users under their influence. Possibly, the legal framework and enforcement could be further developed.
98% of casualties happen in good weather and in clear road conditions, which leaves no excuses for road users and we must see more mindful and caring behavior on the roads!
A special focus on the vulnerable segment of young road users seems necessary, with a focus on the segment of 19–29-year-olds where we see the biggest toll. 15% of major accidents are caused by new driving license holders. Hence, the stakeholders close to this vulnerable segment need to do their bit in raising awareness for safe conduct and we call on driving schools, universities, employers, and parents to be cognizant of their responsibilities. Safe habits should be created as early as possible and already at kindergarten and school level, the driving school education could be revisited, staged driving licenses and monitoring technologies for novice drivers should be considered.
The share of motorcycles in major accidents (12%) seems over-proportionally high and we see rising casualty numbers for micro-mobility riders (bikes, e-bikes, scooters) and hence, more should to be done to protect these vulnerable riders.”
Following is a selection of the most important data points, derived from the database of Ministry of Interior.