No precaution is too much when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of children in vehicles. The right security measures, however, are vital.
Roughly two out of three deaths of children in the UAE, below the age of 14, are attributed to traffic accidents. Astonishingly, this number is more than double the global average. It highlights the scale of ignorance and inability to apply safety standards: 43 per cent of parents interviewed admitted that they do not use car safety seats for children under the age of 12.
Lives must be saved; common sense must be applied through responsible parenting. The numbers illustrating mortality rates, which are not flattering, must be addressed.
Parents need to do their homework on how to ensure the safety of children in moving vehicles. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Regulations must be mandatory and there should be no flexibility. Punitive measures must be applied to those, who choose wilfully, or otherwise, to ignore the directives issued by traffic authorities.
The onus lies on families to ensure a safe environment for their children. Parents must change their attitude and work together with the traffic authorities to ensure a win-win scenario.
