Ever since the great commotion surrounding the inauguration of Dubai’s first tram on November 11 th, the city’s newest addition kept a low profile on the news. That’s until it crashed into a car on December 17 th, resulting in the first Dubai tram accident.
The accident occurred at a conjunction in Jumeirah Beach Residence, due to what was reported to be a confused motorist.
"Two of the lanes are heading straight, while the left lane is for traffic going left. There are two different traffic lights: one for traffic going straight and one for traffic going left,” reported Mohammed Mudharreb, Director of Rail Operations at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
"Yesterday, the motorist on the left lane mistook the green light for the traffic going straight for a green light to go left, while his traffic light was red.
"He took off at high speed, and once he had taken the turn he realized that there was traffic coming his way. He promptly stopped his car while he was on the track of the tram at that moment.”
Even though the accident resulted in no deaths, the motorist still had to deal with a very heavy fine which, according to previous statements, was estimated at around $1,361. He also had his driver's license withdrawn.
Nevertheless, the minor incident did strike some conversation among the residents of the populous emirate.
A few opinions from both locals and expats expressed similar thoughts. They felt that heavy fines would only make drivers more nervous and that the introduction of the tram to Dubai was not accompanied with adequate awareness about motorists dealing with the tram.
“There is not enough awareness about tram rules. The RTA should publish driving rules and instructions in newspapers from time to time for at least six months so that the rules are firmly in people’s minds,” Jacob Benson, a banking executive, told Khaleeji Times .
“It’s not much of a problem for daily commuters, but others who drive in this area occasionally may face a lot of confusion,” he added.
Since the tram began operating, 10 new road signs and seven new markings have been erected in order to manage the traffic flow between the tram, other vehicles and pedestrians. Although driving schools now host mandatory classes to teach new drivers about sharing the road with the tram, there remains a wide range of drivers who are unlikely to attend those classes.
Dubai residents think it’s only a matter of time before everyone is familiar with the new rules and the new signs and there won’t be anything to worry about.
“Go by the book. No need to be afraid. If you are confused, stop your car on the side of the road and ask for help. Look at other drivers and see what they are doing. It’s better to be late than to collide with the tram. Just follow the rules,” Najma Shaikh, a housewife, said .