Dubai youngsters to learn basics of road safety

Dubai: It is crucial to teach children about basic road safety as six out of ten road traffic injuries in Dubai affect young drivers, a senior Dubai Police official said in line with the ‘My First Licence - I Know My Road Rules’ campaign.

The campaign, organised by Total Marketing Middle East and Ciel Marketing & Events, and endorsed by Dubai Police, is an initiative that teaches young children basic road safety rules in a fun and interactive way.

“The aim of ‘My First Licence’ programne is to ensure that children are safe and responsible road users in the UAE when they are old enough to drive,” Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director General of Dubai Police’s Traffic Department, said.

“This campaign, coupled with regular driving programmes, helps contribute towards a long-term solution to traffic accidents in the UAE as these children will have a better understanding of the rules of the road,” he added.

An estimated 1,273 road injuries — or 61 per cent of all road traffic injuries in this emirate — occur among people in the 18 to 35 age group, based on figures from Dubai Police.

Now in its third edition, the campaign will target 5,000 children between the ages of four and nine from ten schools across Dubai. It will run until May 14.

“Since we started this campaign in 2011, we have had feedback from parents saying that their children actually encourage them to be more conscientious drivers,” Philippe Cabus, Managing Director, Total Marketing Middle East, said.