Fewer babies hurt on roads

DUBAI // Two children aged under two died on Dubai's roads last year, the same number as in 2010.

But fewer babies or toddlers were injured in road accidents: 13, compared with 20 in 2010.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the reduction in injuries could be credited to a campaign it launched in 2009.

The Child Safety programme was introduced at Latifa Hospital and was intended to educate mothers about the danger of holding babies in their laps in cars, and the importance of child-safety seats.

"It was felt necessary to give parents exposure to aspects posing higher risks to their infants," said Maitha bin Udai, the head of the Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA.

Officers from the programme visit Latifa and other hospitals once a week to register new mothers.

Ms Maitha said parents needed to pay more attention to their children's safety.

"In some cases, even the father runs over his loved one due to negligence and lack of concentration," she said.

Despite repeated calls from Dubai Police, there is still no law requiring children to be placed in safety seats.