RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has fitted its taxicabs with a four-way flasher system that automatically operates once the driver applies the brake to slow down or suddenly stop.

The system alerts trailing drivers to slow down and prompts them to leave a safety distance to avoid potential accidents resulting from rear-end collision.

“The Brake Plus system reduces the potential rear end collision by as much as 50 per cent. Most collision accidents are avoidable if the trailing driver has a one-second notice. The driver would also have a 70 per cent higher chance to notice the sudden stop of the vehicle in front when seeing the flashing lights,” said Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Ali, CEO of DTC.

The latest initiative, he said, represents the Dubai Government’s efforts to curb traffic accidents. “It is also part of DTC’s strategic plan to introduce modern technologies in taxicabs, which in turn will improve the traffic safety and reduce the number of accidents.

Overall, it will enhance the level of taxi service to bring it in line with the highest standards adopted by advanced countries,” he said.

DTC has signed an agreement with the Gulf Auto Safety Trading to install the system in 400 cabs over a year on a trial base, and will be eventually be extended to cover the entire Dubai Taxi fleet, he added.

The resultant reduction in accidents due to the installation of the system, he said, will also mean that less cabs will be under repair at any given time, boosting the cab operator’s overall productivity.

“The DTC attaches top priority to the safety of customers and maximizing their satisfaction in line with RTA’s vision of providing safe and smooth transport for all,” added Al Ali.