Dubai: Laws should be introduced to force all occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts, participants of a conference have recommended.
Delegates at the Second International Conference on Traffic Safety, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, said the current rule, which says only the driver and the passenger in the front seat must wear seat belts, should be changed.
They said traffic safety laws should be improved to change people's habits, such as letting children sit in the front, not wearing seat belts and talking on mobile phones.
They recommended that road trauma should be recognised as a public health issue in Dubai. The recommendations dwelt mainly on the safety of individuals in the light of statistics which show that the deaths and injuries caused by road accidents are increasing. A number of experts and professionals from local and international organisations attended the conference, organised by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The delegates also recommended that the RTA find solutions to ensure the safety of pedestrians who, according to the statistics, comprise the highest number of road accident victims in the Middle East. Around 100 pedestrians died in road accidents last year.
Your comments
The campaign for the safety of passengers at the back of a vehicle is acceptable and is for the good of everyone.
Flordeliza
Sharjah,UAE
So they are going to add two or more belts on the back and also front seats. Who has never seen a car full of kids front and back, sitting or jumping on their parents knees?
Joel
Abu Dhabi,UAE
All lot is being done to ease traffic and road accidents. Unfortuntely, the stituation remains the same. There are many old model cars on the road which don't even have proper front seat belts let alone passenger seat belts.
Fareda
Dubai,UAE
Don't change the law; it is a good way to rid the earth of stupid people.
SJG
Abu Dhabi,UAE
What's the harm in buckling up, for a little initial discomfort you have incomparable life saving benefits in case of an accident! That discomfort is a little price to pay and when its too late.
Martin
Dubai,UAE
An excellent rule which is to be implemented, let's hope strictly. I appreciate Dubai Police for their action on fastening seat belts. It is ensures the safety of not only driver but the passengers.
MN Ansari
Dubai,UAE
It's amazing that it requires conferences to come up with these findings, this is common knowledge everywhere else in the world. You travel at the speed of your vehicle, when it stops, you keep moving, regardless of where you are seated. Start pulling people over, fining them and confiscating their licences and things will definitely change.
Sam
Dubai,U.A.E
The RTA and Police should just concentrate on the existing law ie. buckle up infront seats because many people are still not doing it. Please start a "Keep Right Campaign" as soon as possible.
Milton
Dubai,UAE
