Abu Dhabi Police warn motorists over reversing dangers

Video highlights that children can be difficult to see

Children have been killed in similar accidents in recent years. Courtesy: AD Police

Police have released a safety video urging motorists to take greater care when reversing their cars.

The warning comes after cases of parents hitting and killing young children after failing to spot them in their rear mirrors.

Large sport utility vehicles, also known as 4x4s, are very common in the UAE and their height can make seeing small children tricky.

Police have released a safety video warning motorists of the dangers of reversing. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Police.

In April this year, a girl aged 17 months died after she was run over by a neighbour’s car while playing near her house in Sharjah.

And in 2016, an Indian man in Abu Dhabi ran over and killed his 18-month-old daughter in his 4x4.

“Parents should follow even the simplest driving rules while parking outside their homes,” Abu Dhabi Police said in a statement.

“And they should definitely not be checking their phones or social media accounts while doing so.

“Answering a call while parking also distracts the driver and could easily cause a crash.”

The police safety video advised drivers to open their car windows while exiting or entering a parking area so they could listen out for youngsters playing.

It also suggested parents prevented their children from playing near carports, to lessen the chance of accidents.

So far, the video has been viewed more than 14,000 times.