GEMS Education in collaboration with Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), School Transport Services (STS) and Road Safety UAE, organised a week-long Road Safety Campaign to spread awareness among students regarding road safety, traffic rules and protocols. As road safety is a major concern for drivers as well as pedestrians across the UAE, GEMS Education hosted the road safety week to contribute to building a safer community and creating awareness about traffic safety.
Organised by the Traffic Awareness Section of the Traffic Department at RTA and STS, the campaign aimed at creating a positive change in the society and inspiring young children to obey to traffic rules for their own safety and that of others on the road. The campaign highlighted key road safety practices to reach out to the community in a unique and interactive way.
Deema Hussein, Traffic Awareness Senior Manager, Traffic Department at RTA, said; “Working hand in hand with STS on Road Safety Week will help us achieve a safer driving environment for all road users. We extend our efforts, through this campaign, to change the mindset of youth and how they think and act about road safety. We aim to educate them on responsible safety habits, which are an integral component in developing Dubai’s road infrastructure to being truly world-class.”
Paul Slater, Vice President Health and Safety at GEMS Education said: “It is important that students learn about road safety from a very early age, it is worth noting that road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death amongst children in the UAE. Children can play an important role in influencing their parents, siblings, friends and family. Through this awareness campaign, we hope that students learn the importance of wearing seat belts and road safety in general and take the message beyond the school and home to the community at large.”
During the Road Safety Week, several activities were carried out across the schools including awareness camps, debates, competitions and the development of Safety Ambassadors with the STS Smart Safety Bus.
Steve Burnell, Managing Director at STS said: “As an important strategic service partner to the education community, it is our responsibility to continuously educate road safety habits among students and the broader community. We are thankful to all our partners who came forward in driving the road safety message and making this campaign a success.”
Thomas Edelmann, Managing Director, Roadsafety UAE said: “Nearly 60% of road fatalities in the UAE happen due to non-use of Seat belts. We must educate our children about safe behavior as early as possible.”
As per the traffic authorities, recklessness has remained the major cause of fatal accidents in the UAE.
