ABU DHABI // New and hard-hitting safety messages will be delivered every month this year as the fight to curb the death toll on the roads is ramped up.
The 10 initiatives are aimed at every road user – car and lorry drivers, pedestrians, parents and schoolchildren – as safety chiefs intensify their drive towards three traffic deaths per 100,000 population by 2021. Last year it was 6.52.
Brig Ghaith Al Zaabi, director general of traffic coordination at the Ministry of Interior, described the target as “one of the most ambitious traffic plans in the world”.
“I can assure you from this platform, and in light of our results, that we are on the right track towards achieving this vision,” he said at the opening ceremony of Gulf Traffic Week.
Last year there were 5,124 road traffic accidents resulting in 7,743 injuries and 651 deaths. The ministry’s 2016 goal is to lower the death rate to 5.5 per 100,000 population.
The 10 community-based monthly initiatives to spread awareness and save lives will begin with “The road belongs to everyone”, which aims to spread the message that traffic safety is the responsibility of all road users.
It will be followed by “The ideal drivers”, which highlights drivers with clean driving records to inspire others, and “They have the right” to encourage road users to pay special attention to motorcyclists and bicyclists.
“There is a kid in your car” will promote responsible driving; “You are the pillars of the future” instils a sense of patriotism among young people; “They have priorities” encourages drivers to give priority to pedestrians; and “Respect my road knowledge” encourages labourers unfamiliar with rules to adopt them for their own safety.
The other initiatives are “On the classroom seat”, which spreads school safety awareness; “You build, not destroy” to remind lorry drivers in the construction sector of their safety role on the roads; and “The bus on the road”, which warns parents and other drivers to be cautious when picking up or dropping off school pupils.
The Traffic Creative Council will invite committees from different sectors of society to discuss traffic issues, and the Traffic Safety Ambassador initiative aims to reinforce the sense of social responsibility to achieve an ideal traffic system.
For the first time in the region, Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrols Directorate is launching a series of mini-episodes shared with the public via mobile phones. Its “Stop!” campaign brings together different nationalities in a video calling for an immediate stop to the consequences of accidents. To show solidarity for the families of accident victims, the directorate will lead a minute of silence during traffic week.
Brig Al Zaabi called on the community to share in the responsibility to reduce risky driving behaviour.
To their five pillars of traffic safety – engineering, education, enforcement, emergency and evaluation – traffic police have added a sixth pillar, engagement, to highlight the importance of social responsibility in traffic safety.
One young man who needs no reminding of his responsibilities is Ahmad Al Remeithi, who credits his father for instilling in him the safe driving habits he has practised since obtaining his licence at 18.
“My father often reminds us to be responsible and be careful on the road so until today, I have a clean driving record,” said Mr Al Remeithi, 26, an Emirati graduate manager at Etihad Airways.
“I avoid using my mobile phone when driving home to Mohammed bin Zayed City, keeping in mind that my family is waiting for me. This is what motivates me to be a good driver. My country also needs me so there is no reason for me to drive recklessly and be involved in an accident.”
Mr Al Remeithi was honoured as the Best Driver at Traffic Safety at the launch of Gulf Traffic Week.
His father, Mubarak, 42, is proud of his eldest son’s achievement.
“I always tell him and his two brothers to be responsible and be aware of the cars around them,” he said. “As a father, I would like to serve as their role model.”
Sabri Hassan, 57, his wife, Ibtisam, 49, and son, Mustafa, 19, came all the way from Al Ain to receive recognition as the Best Family at Traffic Safety for their clean driving record.
“I was surprised to get a phone call from the police a few days ago,” said Mr Hassan, who has lived in the UAE for 34 years and obtained his licence in 1985. “We are proud as a family to have maintained a good driving record over the years.”
Top performing male and female traffic police officers, best school, best labour camp, and 100 Traffic Safety Ambassadors were also recognised for their commitment to road safety.
rruiz@thenational.ae
