Dubai: More than 450 people benefited from a road safety awareness workshop organised by Dubai Police to promote safe pedestrian behaviour and encourage the use of designated crossing points as part of efforts to reduce traffic accidents and protect lives.

Brigadier Jumaa Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, stressed that pedestrian safety is a fundamental pillar of the traffic safety system, noting that using designated pedestrian crossings plays a direct role in safeguarding lives and reducing road accidents.

He warned that jaywalking remains one of the most dangerous road behaviours, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities and leaving lasting psychological and social consequences for victims’ families and other road users. He added that while some people may believe crossing from undesignated locations saves time, such moments of haste can quickly lead to tragic incidents, permanent injuries, or chain reaction collisions that put all road users at risk.

Bin Suwaidan explained that the workshop was organised by the Traffic Awareness Department under the General Department of Traffic as part of the Accident-Free Year 2026 campaign. Held at Dubai Waterfront, the initiative aimed to enhance public awareness of traffic laws and strengthen road safety culture across the community.

The workshop provided participants with practical guidance on safe road use, highlighting the importance of using pedestrian bridges, tunnels and designated crossings, while warning against crossing roads from unauthorised locations due to the serious risks posed to both pedestrians and motorists.

Attendees were also introduced to the Traffic Safety Platform (Aman Roads) through a QR code, encouraging them to access its services and educational resources designed to raise awareness and promote safer behaviour on the roads.

Bin Suwaidan reaffirmed Dubai Police’s commitment to continuing awareness and field initiatives that reinforce positive road safety habits, calling on community members to play an active role in spreading traffic safety awareness and making compliance with traffic regulations a daily practice that reflects responsibility and respect for human life. He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and that using designated pedestrian crossings is not a personal choice but a necessity for protecting lives.