Billboard campaign in Dubai bids to stop motorists using mobiles while driving

Transport service Careem has put up billboards across Dubai after a survey showed that three-quarters of drivers in the emirate admitted using their phones while driving.

DUBAI // Taxi-hailing app service Careem has launched a campaign to remind drivers not to use a mobile phone while behind the wheel.

Motorists around Dubai will not be able to avoid the standout billboards with the messages, “Eyes on the road. Unless you’re in a Careem”, “Hands off your phone. Unless you’re in a Careem” and “Don’t text and drive. Unless you’re in a Careem”.

The billboards have been put up at some of the city’s busiest areas – Sheikh Zayed Road near Marina Mall, near Lamcy Plaza underpass towards the airport, opposite Deira City Centre, near Dubai Mall and at the Trade Centre roundabout.

Almost three quarters of those polled admitted to using their phones while driving, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Road Safety UAE and QIC Insured in August.

Only 26 per cent of the 1,033 motorists said they never used their mobile phones while driving. The rest said they used their phones either directly or through a hands-free device.

Careem and Road Safety UAE came together to publish the results of the survey.