Motorists rewarded for observing traffic rules

Abu Dhabi: Drivers in Abu Dhabi "caught" driving well and abiding by the traffic laws were pulled over and surprised with a cash reward as part of an awareness campaign to promote safe driving.

The "Caltex Roadstar Campaign 2010" kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, organised by Dubai's Ciel Marketing and Events, in association with the Emirates Motor Sports Federation, and endorsed by the traffic police. Accompanied by members of the Abu Dhabi traffic police, organisers drove around the city in search of drivers doing the right thing — such as wearing a seat belt, using indicators and keeping to the speed limit.

Drivers found to be driving well were then given a certificate and Dh750. This year, for the first time, a number of drivers were awarded for having a special car seat for children.

Emirates Motor Sports Foundation acting director Ahmad Al Sharif said: "Most people are used to having the police stop them for violations, but many are shocked to find out that they are being rewarded for their driving".

"On average, we are handing out awards to about 12 to 15 drivers a day," Al Sharif said.

The campaign will be conducted in Sharjah and Dubai during the rest of this week.

Reaction

Winners' reactions varied from shock to mere curiosity. Some drivers when they were asked to pull over, said they assumed they had broken the traffic law.

New Abu Dhabi resident Ingrid Hens, a Belgian expatriate, said: "I was worried at first" about being pulled over.

"I was thinking to myself what I might have done wrong," Hens said.

"I am delighted to be chosen as a roadstar. However, I'm still not sure how I will spend the money," she added.

Mohammad Ponneth, on the other hand, said he was merely curious about being stopped. Confident of his driving skills, Ponneth said he did not feel he had violated the traffic law. "I have been driving in the UAE for over a year now," he said.

"I knew all along that I wasn't getting a violation, that I was being stopped for another reason."

Ponneth said he was pleased to have been selected for his driving skills, and intended to send his prize money home to his family.

The Caltex Roadstar Campaign 2010 is sponsored by Caltex, and co-sponsored by BMW, Axa, Radio 2 and Gulf News.