'Roads should be as safe as our homes'

Sharjah and Ajman officials say traffic accidents are avoidable

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People should feel as safe on the roads as they do in their own homes, a police chief said yesterday.

Too many are killed in avoidable traffic accidents, said Brig Ali Alwan, director general of Ajman police.

"Our concern is ensuring there is safety for everyone on the road, from the driver to passengers and pedestrians," he said. "The UAE has achieved great success in securing the safety of residents in their homes - it is one of the safest places in the world. Now it has to make its roads safe as well."

Brig Alwan was speaking at the launch of the 28th Gulf Traffic Week. Lectures will be held at Ajman University of Technology, brochures in a range of languages will be distributed and senior police officers will answer traffic-related queries on radio stations.

In Sharjah, officers are targeting young motorists to encourage better driving habits, said Brig Mohammed Eid Al Madhloom, director of Sharjah Police operations department.

"A good driving culture starts with the driver," he said.

Brig General Humaid Mohammed Al Hudaidi, director general of Sharjah Police, said it was important to involve students in traffic awareness campaigns as the younger generation was prone to bad driving habits, such as speeding.