Eid tragedy at Rams signal angers residents

Gruesome accidents at the Rams Intersection here have made people raise their voice for quick action from authorities.
On the first day of Eid Al Adha, a woman and her baby daughter were killed while her husband and two other kids were seriously injured after the car they were travelling in collided with another one late at the 'deadly' traffic signal.
Residents say "the traffic signal, despite its arterial location at the entrance of the city, breaks down often and has become one of the main 'hotspots' in the emirate with most gruesome accidents."
Also read: Woman, baby die after speeding husband jumps red light  
Col. Ahmed Saeed Al Sam Al Naqbi, head of traffic engineering at the traffic and patrols department, RAK Police, said they had reported the issue to the ministry of infrastructure development.
"We have recommended the construction of a bridge and a separate way for heavy trucks instead of the current intersection."
Building a roundabout has also been proposed to force callous drivers to reduce their speed, he added. "These two suggestions will hopefully curb down traffic accidents and casualties."
Blaming reckless drivers, he said that some 90 per cent of the accidents registered were blamed on the motorists themselves.
Yusuf Al Shameli, Emirati, said the RAK Police have already installed radars and surveillance cameras at the said intersection.
"They have also launched so many awareness campaigns, but some 'stubborn' motorists insist on putting their lives and others' at risk, and thus they should be held responsible and severely penalised."
Suggestions from people
Munzir Al Mazki, Emirati, proposed the construction of a speed hump at each and every intersection.
"This solution, though sounds illogical, is the only way to force reckless and speeding drivers to reduce speed."
Reiterating the same, Mohammed, Salah, Egyptian, said a speed hump "at deadly areas will curb traffic accidents and casualties."
Disagreeing, Naser Mohammed, Emirati, said building a speed hump at a traffic signal will end in long queues of vehicles and traffic knots.
Most waiting periods at traffic signals here in Ras Al Khaimah are around 30 seconds, he added.
"Calling for a stricter penalty, Ali Saeed, Jordanian, said whoever jumps red signal, should suffer a jail term.
"This penalty; from 24 to 48 hours, is a big success in Saudi Arabia, and I guess the erring driver should be held in police custody for at least one week."
Ahmed Jameel, Syrian, said the Dh800 fine, eight black points, and two-week vehicle impoundment, currently enforced in the UAE traffic law, are not a deterring penalty.
"Most people can replace the impoundment period with money, and many people have more than one car, and can easily drive another one."
Mohammed Iqbal, Pakistani, said the driving licence should also be withdrawn, along with vehicle confiscation.
"Jumping red signal should be handled with zero tolerance, and the erring driver has to be referred to the court."
Permitting a 'killer' motorist to drive again is illogical, said Mohammed Othman, Sudanese, who suggested that all traffic signals should be digital.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com