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The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is rejuvenating the Child Safety program oriented to mothers & children, following amendments made by the Ministry of Interior to the Executive Regulation governing the principles & procedures of traffic law enforcement. The revised rules oblige motorists to seat children under 4 years in a dedicated child seat while onboard.”
Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, highlighted the importance of these amendments, especially as regards obliging motorists to have children under 4 restrained in a safety seat when riding a motor vehicle. The law enforcement also applies to allowing children aged less than 10 years or measuring less than 145cm to sit in the front seat.
“RTA is keeping pace with the amendments by enhancing the "Child Safety" program, which is implemented throughout the year in cooperation with the Dubai Health Authority. The program targets children & mothers in hospitals and health centres to raise their awareness about basic procedures of child safety. It underscores the importance of child safety seat as well as choosing & fixing it in the vehicle. In the next phase, the program would focus on acquainting individuals with the new amendments where the child safety seat has become mandatory, with offenders subject to AED400 fine and 4 black points,” noted Bin Adai.
“The Traffic and Roads Agency had forged cooperation with Monash University Accident Research Center (MUARC), Australia; one of the most comprehensive accident and injury prevention research centres worldwide powered by scientific & academic excellence. Together with the Centre, the Traffic and Roads Agency collected details of 800 parents in the emirate of Dubai to gauge their awareness of the importance of using child safety means for children under 10,” added Bin Udai.
“The survey data had been captured from parents in different locations in Dubai such as Barsha Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Latifa Hospital, Antenatal Clinics and Health Centers of the Dubai Health Authority as well as RTA Customer Happiness Centers. A comprehensive data analysis would be carried out to understand parents' views about using child protection means to gauge their awareness about the correct installation & proper selection of safe child protection means. It will also examine the underlying reasons for the reluctance of some parents to use child safety seat. Based on findings, the research project will consider ways & means of increasing the use of child protection means in Dubai to enhance child safety onboard,” elaborated Bin Adai.
The Traffic and Roads Agency conducted a training workshop for volunteers who administer the survey where Professor Brian Field of the Monash University Accident Research Center conducting the survey, presented a lecture, as to how to conduct interviews with target groups. She also stressed the importance of differentiating between residents in the local community and short-term visitors of the emirate.
It is noteworthy that the number of mothers registered as members of the Child Safety Program rose to more than 3,000 at the end of 2016. Membership entitles them to multiple privileges including a free child safety seat. The Agency is stepping up cooperation with private companies to develop and innovate awareness campaigns & publications aimed at sensitising parents and drivers in Dubai about the importance of protecting children from traffic accidents.
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