DUBAI // Twenty-five pedestrians and cyclists were killed in the emirate in the first seven months of the year.
That was up from 19 in the corresponding period last year, Dubai Police say.
Col Saif Al Mazrouei, director of Dubai Traffic Police, said 20 pedestrians and five cyclists were killed between January and July.
Officers responded to 194 incidents in total, with 199 people injured. Of these, 25 were seriously hurt, 79 sustained moderate injuries and 95 were minor cases.
Last year during the seven-month period, Dubai Police recorded 19 deaths, and injuries to 197 people in run-over accidents.
Col Al Mazrouei said in view of an increase in the number of deaths and injuries, the traffic department launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of crossing roads at undesignated areas and cycling on busy streets, particularly at night.
He said that officers distributed reflective vests to pedestrians and cyclists as part of the awareness and safety campaign.
“The vests are to ensure that motorists are able to see them on the roads,” Col Al Mazrouei said.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae