Pakistan, April 12 -- In response to a sharp rise in road safety violations, the United Arab Emirates has enacted stricter penalties against jaywalking. This decision follows a series of tragic incidents, including the deaths of eight pedestrians in Dubai alone in January 2024. Authorities consider crossing roads outside designated areas a major safety concern, particularly on high-speed roads.

Effective from March 29, 2024, a new traffic law-Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024-greatly increases penalties for jaywalking. Previously, offenders faced a Dh400 fine for crossing from undesignated areas. Now, if jaywalking leads to an accident, penalties will be much harsher. According to the new law, causing an accident while jaywalking can res...