UAE colleges add online course on safe driving and seat belts

Seventeen Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) universities have included the e-course in the curriculum as part of the ‘Stay Alert. Stay Alive’ campaign.

ABU DHABI // An online course that promotes safe driving and the use of seat belts is being added to college curriculums.

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) institutes have included the e-course in their curriculums as part of the Stay Alert, Stay Alive campaign, supported by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai.

More than 18,000 Emirati students can take the 30-minute course, which is comprised of seven modules including law, risks in everyday driving and ways to drive safely.

“We believe that by completing this course, HCT students will gain a better understanding of the importance of wearing a seat belt while driving, or as a passenger,” said Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT.

An assessment of the results of the e-course will be carried out every three months.

“Tying the initiative to course work at HCT is a good idea to get the message out, but I think it should be mandatory for all young people,” said Glenn Havinoviski, Middle East transport systems director at US traffic-management company Iteris.

“Real-life driving is not like a video game.”

The course was developed by BMW Group Middle East and is the third time in recent years the company has reached out to students to promote road safety.

“They are young drivers, therefore we are trying to instil good driving habits from an early driving age,” said Leanne Blanckenberg, corporate communications manager for BMW.

“If we can encourage one student to buckle up or save the life of one student, then this campaign has been effective for us.

“But for actual change to happen, this needs time and reiteration of the importance of why one needs to buckle up and be a responsible driver.

“We are not just changing driving habits. We’re trying to change attitudes, which is a long-term responsibility.”

Changing driving habits of the youth is “extremely difficult and takes time”, said Dino Kalivas, the director of training at Emirates Driving.

“Research indicates behaviour change requires human intervention supported by public campaigns over a continuous period of time,” Mr Kalivas said.

“Greater impact on behaviour change needs to be implemented in primary and secondary schools.

“Once a person reaches adolescent years, the message and importance of wearing seat belts is too late and not established, hence a reflection of the low use rates of seat belts in the UAE.”

The Stay Alert, Stay Alive campaign was launched in 2010 focusing on educating the public about the importance of using car restraints, particularly for children.

But Khaled Al Mansoori, director of business development at Emirates Driving in Abu Dhabi, questioned the effectiveness of online courses.

“Sound teaching still involves human interaction and problem-based solutions,” Mr Al Mansoori said.

“In theory, online courses can work. However, at best their basis is to provide an insight into core topics and themes.”