Majority (99 per cent) of UAE residents are aware of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt and the risks of travelling with an unrestrained child, 999 Magazine's national driving survey revealed.
The study, which polled 1,350 respondents across the country, found that even as 99 per cent of respondents are mindful of the risks of travelling without strapping in the seatbelt. Among the Top 10 Road Safety Problems in the survey, not wearing a seat belt and not using proper child seats are ranked at No. 6 and No. 9, respectively.
Federal traffic law requires front seat passengers to wear seat belts, with a Dh400 fine and four black points for offenders. The federal authorities are currently discussing new legislation on enforcement of seat belt rules.
Lt Colonel Awadh Saleh Al Kindi, Editor-in-Chief of 999, said:
"Keeping our children safe is our moral and social responsibility.
Unfortunately, many people still do not wear safety belts in the front seats, despite it being mandatory." The poll, conducted by the official English monthly of the Ministry of Interior, found that 22 per cent of respondents felt the chances of being stopped if travelling with an unrestrained child were highly likely, while an equal number thought of it as unlikely. Nevertheless, almost half (49 per cent) thought it to be likely and only 7 per cent believed it was highly unlikely that they would be stopped for this offence.
The special report is published in the October edition of English 999 magazine, a part of the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of the Interior to provide media coverage for the activities and efforts of the Ministry and Abu Dhabi Police. It also aims to encourage the public to contribute to the reduction of crime and enhancement of safety in the UAE.