Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a rewards campaign to encourage motorists to drive more safely to reduce the accident rate across the emirate.
In a press conference on Tuesday, police invited motorists to log on to Dubai Police website in order to sign a pledge letter in which the driver promises to drive more carefully as part of the new initiative dubbed a ‘Day Without Accidents’.
Drivers taking part in the campaign and keep their promises of safe driving and do not become involved in an accident will be awarded gifts such as an appreciation certificate from Dubai Police, 50 per cent discount on fees if the vehicle is confiscated and cancellation of four black points from their licences.
Major-General pilot Ahmad Mohammad Bin Thani, assistant commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, said the initiative will run from August 1 to September 2.
“We are looking to have a city without traffic accidents or deaths on the roads. It is important to educate the drivers and encourage them to follow the speed limits and not to drive if they feel tired,” said Brigadier Abdullah Ali Al Gaithi, assistant commander-in-chief for Operations Affairs of Dubai Police.
“We are close to the start of the new school year, and we are looking to have zero accidents especially in the first week of school. We want to educate the drivers by making them sign the obligation letter and then honour the ones who keep their promises,” he said.
Drivers can log on to Dubai Police website and sign the obligation letter in which they promise to: follow traffic instructions, fasten the seat belt, leave safe distance between vehicles, give priority to pedestrians who cross roads and not use the phone while driving.
“If the initiative works out, then we will make the ‘Day Without Accidents’ an annual affair with the start of the school year like Earth Hour or other international initiatives.”
In the first week of September last year, police recorded 58 traffic accidents which led to three deaths, 23 serious injuries and 35 moderate injuries, Brig Al Gaithi said.
In the same period in 2016, there were 68 accidents which led to two deaths, 23 serious injuries and 45 moderate injuries.
Brigadier Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of the police’s Traffic Department, said the first week of the school year usually sees traffic accidents, as it is a busy time and parents drive their children to schools.
“Drivers should pay attention to the stop signs on school buses as there is a Dh1,000 fine and 10 black points for drivers who don’t stop when the bus sign is on. We want to have the first day of the school year free of accidents and deaths,” Brig Al Mazroui added.
Campaign ads
Dubai Police will advertise the new campaign in public places, streets and shopping malls to educate drivers about safe driving and urge them to sign the obligation letter.
A text message will be sent to drivers urging them to participate in the campaign.
The police will also use social media channels to popularise the campaign aiming to get 700,000 views for those posts.
Drivers can click on this link to participate in the campaign
https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/wps/portal/home/miscellaneouslinks/day_without_accident
