DUBAI // Civic and transportation officials are hoping their visits to students as part of Gulf Traffic Week will help the young people become safer drivers when they are old enough to get behind the wheel.
Hundreds of students from dozens of schools are expected to attend Gulf Traffic Week activities today and tomorrow. An exhibition promoting traffic safety opened yesterday at the Umm Al Hammar Girl's School, with officials from the Roads and Transport Agency (RTA), Traffic Police and Civil Defence on hand.
"These activities and events substantially contribute to raising traffic awareness among youngsters, which will help nurture a generation compliant with traffic and driving rules and regulations," said Maitha bin Udai, the chief executive of the RTA traffic and roads department.
"Many of the RTA's strategic partners in the public and private sectors are keen on taking part in these community events, which reflect our attention to … security and safety requirements of all road users," she said.
Public and private school students attended traffic safety-orientated plays at the Umm Al Hammar school and viewed images and models of road accidents. Some 100 schools in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman were invited, Ms bin Udai said.
Meanwhile, "traffic awareness city" opened yesterday on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. The tent set-up includes police demonstrations, a place where children can practise cycling on simulated roads, traffic awareness contests and a 3D film on road safety. The facility is open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm daily until Thursday.
