Abu Dhabi Police have activated the ‘HATHER’ Radar System (Pedestrian Safety Crossing Solution Pedi-Safe), which employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to oversee pedestrian crossings and detect vehicle violations that compromise the priority of pedestrians at designated crossing areas. This initiative has contributed to reducing the death rate in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by up to 48% by 2021.
The primary objective of the ‘HATEHR’ AI System is to raise drivers’ awareness regarding traffic regulations and emphasize the importance of granting pedestrians the right of way at designated crossing points, thus safeguarding their safety and that of others. The system is equipped to detect and analyse violations at pedestrian crossings, efficient monitoring and enforcement.
Following the successful pilot phase, during which the system effectively apprehended several violators and issued warning messages to offending drivers, there are plans to expand its implementation throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, particularly in areas around schools and commercial centres. Abu Dhabi Police underscored that their intention is not punitive but rather educational, hoping that the ‘HATHER’ system serves as a motivation for drivers to reevaluate their driving behaviour, ensuring compliance with traffic laws and regulations, which are established to ensure the safety of all road users.
A plea was made to drivers to exercise self-restraint, driven by a sense of responsibility, and to demonstrate respect for the law while preserving the rights of fellow road users. It was emphasized that violations related to pedestrian priority, as defined in item ’69,’ are subject to a fine of 500 dirhams and will incur 6 traffic points on the offender’s record.