Two children dead and 45 injured in traffic incidents over the past ten months
Dubai Police have initiated a child safety campaign aimed at educating parents on the significance of using child seats to reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities involving children. According to data released by the Dubai Police, two children lost their lives, while 45 others sustained various degrees of injuries in road traffic incidents in the city over the past ten months.
The “Child Seat, Safety and Serenity” campaign was officially launched by Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, the Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police. He stressed the paramount importance of ensuring children’s safety from all potential dangers, particularly when traveling in vehicles.
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Al Mazroui emphasized that child seats must be provided and securely fastened in the back of vehicles, as opposed to the hazardous and illegal practice of leaving a child in the front seat. This practice can pose a severe risk to the child’s life and safety, as a sudden stop or traffic accident could result in the child being thrown forward, causing potential injuries from collisions with the vehicle’s interior or ejection during a severe impact or rollover.
Furthermore, Al Mazroui highlighted the legal aspect of child safety in vehicles. He noted that it is against traffic laws to allow a child under the age of ten or shorter than 145cm to sit in the front seat. Violating this law carries a fine of Dh400 due to the serious risks it poses to children’s safety.
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As part of the campaign, Dubai Police are set to raise community awareness about the proper use of child seats to ensure the safety of all vehicle occupants. This includes choosing the right type of child seat based on the child’s age and size, as well as ensuring correct installation. In a proactive move to support the campaign, the General Department of Traffic will distribute free child seats to parents across various regions of the emirate.
The Dubai Police’s “Child Seat, Safety and Serenity” campaign is expected to play a significant role in reducing child injuries and fatalities in road traffic incidents by promoting safe practices and raising awareness about child safety in vehicles. By educating parents and caregivers about the critical role of child seats in preventing injuries, the campaign aims to create a safer and more secure environment for children traveling on Dubai’s roads.
