ABU DHABI // A road safety expert believes Abu Dhabi is on the right track to cutting traffic congestion and limiting crashes.
Akin Adamson, Middle East director for Transport Research Laboratory, said the emirate was doing all the right things in terms of the technologies being put in place in traffic control systems, traffic counts and the measurement of speed and congestion.
“As it happens, these are also the right things that provide the building blocks for a smart traffic environment,” said Mr Adamson on Monday on the sidelines of the Smart Traffic Middle East 2015 conference.
Hamad Al Afeefi, the Department of Transport (DoT) acting director of traffic management and technology, outlined the smart traffic initiatives being put in place.
Abu Dhabi has plans to operate traffic-control centres in Mohammed bin Zayed City and in Al Ain to integrate tunnel management and deploy an emirate-wide intelligent transportation system.
“We have set a clear vision and will continue to update it as needed every four years,” Mr Al Afeefi said. “We are committed to supporting the leadership in their relentless efforts to achieve the goal to be among the world’s top-five best governments.”
Other smart traffic plans include regional management hubs, real-time passenger information and a parking guidance system.
“From 2010 to the present, one of our achievements is the LED-based traffic signals, which have improved the safety of road users,” Mr Al Afeefi said.
The lights save energy and provide clear signal colours. Their lifespan is at least five years, which reduces maintenance costs.
Abu Dhabi’s real-time data collection system uses Bluetooth technology. So far, 285 BlueMac units have been deployed on motorways leading onto and off Abu Dhabi island, and on the island itself.
Abu Dhabi’s traffic management centre has also started implementing vehicle-actuated signal timings at 109 sites. The technology uses sensors to detect the weight of a vehicle and changes signals to serve the fluctuating demand.
“It has helped ease congestion and reduced travel time and delay, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions and resulted in improved air quality,” Mr Al Afeefi said.
A traffic-count system that uses microwave sensors is now in place, with 137 stations covering all major roads in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
The DoT is implementing a Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique system that manages and controls 125 traffic signals on Abu Dhabi island. It uses about 20 sensors at each intersection to monitor and report traffic volume.
“Hopefully, by the end of this year, Abu Dhabi island will be running under this system,” Mr Al Afeefi said.
Abu Dhabi also has an integrated travel information and navigation services system. It provides real-time information on traffic congestion, route guidance and other conditions that can be accessed via smartphone, the internet and in-car navigation devices.
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
North Pole stats
Distance covered: 160km
Temperature: -40°C
Weight of equipment: 45kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 0
Terrain: Ice rock
South Pole stats
Distance covered: 130km
Temperature: -50°C
Weight of equipment: 50kg
Altitude (metres above sea level): 3,300
Terrain: Flat ice
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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