Abu Dhabi parents want curbs on driving around schools

They say motorists rarely slow down or stop at zebra crossings near schools, while children and adults crossing the street at random locations are increasing the risk of accidents occurring.

Students cross the street as parents pick up their children after classes on the first day of the term at Rosary School. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Parents and traffic experts are calling for higher safety standards on roads around schools.

They claimed motorists rarely slow down or stop at zebra crossings near schools, while children and adults who jaywalk increased the likelihood of accidents taking place.

Jihad Khassawneh, 40, a civil engineer from Jordan, said he was concerned about his daughter being hit by a vehicle near Rosary School, off Mohammed bin Khalifa Street in Abu Dhabi.

On Thursday, pupils were seen crossing the road from undesignated points to the other side, where vehicles were haphazardly parked.

“It’s a nightmare every day,” he said. “There are not enough parking spaces, so parents resort to parking anywhere, and on both sides of the road.”

Traffic congestion and illegal and dangerous parking by parents at drop-off and pickup times could lead to accidents, he said.

“I hope there will be more school entry and exit points and separate drop-off and pickup areas to better manage the traffic in this area,” Mr Khassawneh said.

Roads and car parks around schools were not designed for the high volumes of traffic they now take, said Dr Salaheddine Bendak, associate professor at the University of Sharjah.

“Most families prefer to send their children to school by car,” he said. “Car pooling and bus use are still uncommon practices among many families, which adds to the traffic problem.”

Abu Dhabi Municipality has launched a Dh74 million road safety improvement project that covers 98 schools and included measures at school zone entrances, exits and zebra crossings.

There will also be more school car parks, parking spaces, speed bumps, traffic signs and road surface markings.

“Abu Dhabi Municipality is absolutely on the right track regarding road safety near schools,” said Michael Dreznes, executive vice president of International Road Federation.

“However, I was very surprised to learn that speed cameras were left out.

“Speed control is a critical factor for school zone safety. Cameras will help to raise the awareness of the need for reduced speeds at school zones.”

Abu Dhabi Police have no plans to install school zone speed cameras, said Col Jamal Al Ameri, head of public relations at Abu Dhabi traffic police.

He said bumps and other traffic-calming measures that were already in place were effective in controlling speeds. The limit around schools is 30 kph.

Providing a properly designed school zone is critical for road safety, Mr Dreznes said.

“A road safety auditor will make sure the school zone has good sight conditions, the proper speed limit and excellent visibility at day and night,” he said.

Creating a safe environment alone is not enough, said Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE.

“The safety mindset must also penetrate in schools through road safety awareness sessions,” he said.