Abu Dhabi: Five people were pleasantly surprised yesterday when they were pulled over by the police and awarded Dh1,000 each along with a citation for good driving.
Normally, police officers patrol the streets in search of violators. But yesterday in Abu Dhabi, the police were also keeping a watchful eye on people following safe driving habits and exhibiting courteous behaviour to other travellers and pedestrians.
The Caltex RoadStar campaign, which kicked off yesterday in the capital, aims to identify and reward drivers who observe basic principles of good driving such as wearing seat belts, using child safety seats, using indicators and hands-free mobiles, observing lane discipline and displaying courtesy in addition to adhering to speed limits.
The five-day campaign toured Abu Dhabi on March 18-19, and it moves to Sharjah on March 20 and Dubai on March 21-22. Citations and a total of about Dh50,000 in reward money will be distributed among selected good drivers.
Emirati Hussam Al Amiri was surprised when the police officer instructed him to pull over.
"I was shocked; instead of fining me the police rewarded me, and why not? Those who exemplify good behaviour should also be recognised," he said.
