Road safety encouraged with awards for drivers

Dubai: The annual Caltex RoadStar Contest that promotes safe driving and rewards safe drivers, will kick off on May 18, for the first time also in Abu Dhabi.

It is organised by the Emirates Motor Sports Federation.

Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department, said the campaign helps send the message that safe driving pays.

The campaign will take place on May 18 and 19 in Dubai and on May 21 and 22 in Abu Dhabi.

Organisers will look for drivers who observe basic principles of good driving such as wearing seatbelts, using child safety seats, using indicators and hands-free mobiles, observing lane discipline and displaying courtesy, in addition to adhering to speed limits.

Drivers will be rewarded with a cash payment of Dh750 on the spot, gifts and a certificate endorsed by Dubai Police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police in Abu Dhabi. This often makes a difference to the lives of the many winners, who send the money home to support their families.

The RoadStar team will patrol Dubai and Abu Dhabi roads during rush hours in the mornings.

Caltex is the main sponsor, and others are Lexus (Al Futtaim Motors), Axa Insurance and the International Automobile Touring Club, with Gulf News, Wheels and Radio2 FM as media partners.