Abu Dhabi: Day one of the Caltex Roadstar contest, an annual event that aims to reward good drivers with instant cash prizes, was cancelled this morning as heavy rains lashed the capital city.
The contest was set to be held in Abu Dhabi today and tomorrow, in Dubai on December 15 and 16 and in Sharjah on December 17. However, organisers in coordination with Abu Dhabi police officials decided to cancel day one after weather played the villain.
The contest, initiated over a decade ago to promote safe driving habits among road users, is expected to continue tomorrow, Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF), the organisers of the contest said.
A group of traffic police officials along with EMSF will tour the city in unmarked vehicles on the lookout for drivers who abide traffic rules and regulations. Officials discreetly follow the drivers for a while before deciding on their driving skills.
Drivers will be judged based on whether they follow basic rules such as wearing the seat belt, using hands-free cell phone sets, using indicators, child safety seats, observing lane discipline and courtesy in addition to adhering to speed limits.
Winners are rewarded with Dh 750 and a certificate from the traffic police.
This year, Dh 60,000 is to be given out in rewards, with approximately 15 winners chosen everyday.
EMSF said that they are devising alternative plans to make up for the day lost.
Apart from Caltex, the other sponsors of the event are : AXA Insurance, Lexus (Al Futtaim), and print media partner Gulf News and radio media partner Radio 2.
