FNC focus on safety of children in vehicles

Children’s safety has become a major concern with their death rate in car accidents across the UAE being very high compared to the global average, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) said.

Naama Al Sharhan, a member of the House from Ras Al Khaimah, told Gulf News that in the light of the fact that car accidents are a leading cause of death among children across the UAE, she will ask Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, why the ministry could not develop a system to boost children’s safety and reduce road crash deaths.

“How might this modern epidemic be mitigated?” Al Sharhan asked. She suggested the figures for road crash deaths could drop significantly if vehicles incorporated certain enhanced vehicle safety changes in the design.

Seat belt usage

Al Sharhan also suggested more efforts be made to improve safety for pedestrians by the use of footbridges and crossings; and public education, particularly of children, to encourage responsible behaviour.

Al Sharhan added the use of seat belts was said to reduce the risk of death by up to 65 per cent (68 per cent if a car is fitted with an air bag). “Children, however, are poorly served.”

From July 1, wearing a seat belt while travelling in a car will be compulsory under new laws that have been praised by road safety campaigners.

Drivers will be fined Dh400 and receive four black points on their licence for failing to ensure that all occupants, whether adults or children, in their car are buckled up. The House will be holding a two-day session tomorrow and on Wednesday, with members putting 11 questions to ministers, including four to Shaikh Saif concerning total weight transmitted to the road by a vehicle’s axle group, individuals offering illegal transport services and renting of motorbikes.