The UAE has become very populated because of its high potential. As a result, the influx of traffic is increasing which causes traffic accidents in the UAE. So, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has taken the initiative to improve road safety by installing new smart speed limit signs across specific areas like residences, schools, hospitals, etc. These are the sensitive areas where the risk of accidents is higher so the new signs will help in the safety of drivers and others around them.
How do the Smart Speed Limit Signs in UAE work?
These smart speed limit signs in UAE are going to work on an interactive speed detection system. In short, they will work in two ways. One, if a vehicle is within the speed limit, it will appear green with a smiling emoji. Two, if the driver crosses the speed limit, the emoji will appear red with a sad emoji. It will automatically warn the driver to slow down his speed.
Speed Limits in Residential Areas and Schools
Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has set speed limits for different areas. The speed limit near schools is set to be within 30 to 40 kmph. However, the speed limit in residential areas is between 25 to 40 kmph. Exceeding the speed limit results in fines starting from Dh300 to Dh3,000. The fines range depends on how fast the vehicle was over the set speed limit.
Difference between New Speed Limit Signs and Old Ones
These New Smart Speed Limit Signs are not generic as the usual ones. They are different for everyone rather than just displaying a speed limit. They are interactive which helps every driver to know if they are driving responsibly or not. Sometimes, the drivers do not know if they are exceeding the limit. But these signs will automatically keep them alert about speeding.
Many citizens of the UAE have said that these speed limit signs are going to impact the psychology of drivers. They feel like being monitored and judged by the signs as well as by other drivers around them. The news signs give emotional cues to drivers which impact the driving speed. Hopefully, other Emirates will opt for this new interactive and smart speed limit sign to control UAE traffic accidents.