RTA to adopt new strategy for fixing speed limits

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed that the Speed Management Strategy Project, which has been rolling since June 2009, is nearing completion.

The RTA said fixing proper speed limit according to the design of a road is a key factor in ensuring the safety of road users. Compliance with specified speed limits contributes to a better traffic flow and avoidance of crashes that result in loss of life and property.

“The RTA will soon finalise the speed manual detailing the strategies and procedures of fixing the speed limits on Dubai roads in accordance with the best global standards,” said Maitha Bin Udai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

She said there was an increase in road accident fatalities as a result of high speed during the first three months of 2010 where 10 cases were reported compared to seven during the same period last year.

She called on road users to exercise caution while driving and not to exceed the speed limit as speeding is a major cause of fatal traffic accidents and responsible for 20 per cent of fatalities.

“The year 2009 witnessed 101 accidents caused by excessive speeds resulting in 42 fatalities,” she said.

Bin Udai pointed out that the high fatality rate seen in the first quarter of the year was matched by a reduction in accident rate as 22 accidents resulted in 40 casualties whereas speeding led to 48 accidents resulting in 63 casualties during the same period in 2009.

She said: “Adhering to the fixed driving speed is one of the highly effective measures in minimising traffic accidents. The law is very strict in the penalties and offences of over-speeding as this is classified among the most dangerous violations.”

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