UAE announces to launch ‘Accident-Free Day’ campaign ahead of school opening

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has announced to launch a national awareness campaign titled ‘Accident-Free Day’ on August 26, ahead of the new school year.

The initiative, organised through the Federal Traffic Council and the General Command of Police, aims to ensure that the first day of school is free from traffic accidents. To encourage widespread participation, motorists who commit to the ‘Accident-Free Day’ campaign will be eligible for a reduction of four black traffic points.

The ministry urges both drivers and parents to strictly adhere to traffic laws on this important day. To qualify for the black point reduction, participants must sign the initiative’s pledge, which is available via this link: (https://portal.moi.gov.ae/eservices/direct?scode=716 c=2) and in the Ministry of Interior’s social media bio (MOIUAE).

No traffic violations

Additionally, participants must ensure they commit no traffic violations or accidents on the designated day. The discount will be applied two weeks after August 26, serving as an incentive to promote year-round adherence to traffic safety.

Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, emphasised that the campaign is an integral part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to enhance road safety and align with the UAE government’s vision for traffic safety.

Primary objective

He highlighted that the campaign’s primary objective is to cultivate a culture of responsible driving by educating motorists on vehicle safety, adhering to speed limits — especially near schools — avoiding distractions like mobile phones, following traffic lanes, maintaining safe distances, prioritising pedestrians, and giving precedence to emergency vehicles. This collective effort is crucial in creating a traffic environment free from accidents.

He added: “The campaign comes as part of the Ministry of Interior’s comprehensive strategy to improve road safety by spreading the culture of responsible driving to achieve the highest levels of traffic safety, which requires the cooperation of all members of society, including drivers and pedestrians, in order to achieve a traffic environment free of accidents.

Authorities concerned across the emirates will manage campaign on the first day of school. The date of August 26 was chosen as schools will reopen on this day after the summer vacation.

First day of school normally witness heavy traffic and motorists get frustrated to reach school on time. This is where the Accident-Free Day initiative comes in. It will work to ensure that there are no accidents, ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce rush hour accidents.

Motorists' pledge to get incentives

*. No traffic violations or accidents on the day

*. Adhere to the speed limits stipulated in each emirate

*. Adhere to traffic signals

*. Wear seat belts at all times while driving

*. Maintain the legal safety distance between cars

*. Do not use your mobile phone to talk or text while driving

*. Adhere to lane discipline

*. Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

*. Respect school zones by slowing down

*. Use child safety seats

*. Adhere to speed limit on the streets around schools

*. Give priority to pedestrians when crossing the road and emergency vehicles

*. Enhancing road safety by spreading a culture of responsible driving

*. Take precautions for vehicle safety

What is accident-free day?

Accident-Free Day, launched by the Federal Traffic Council, says that if drivers sign an online pledge, four black points will be taken off their driving licences. This will happen provided they avoid any traffic violations or accidents on August 26, 2024.