Don’t drop off children at school gates, parents told
Park vehicles near school and walk with children to the gate, advises police official
Police have urged parents to follow traffic rules while dropping their children at school, as the new academic year begins today.
Parents halting in front of school gates to drop off their children, motorists ignoring school bus stop signs and allowing pupils to sit in front seats, were some mistakes highlighted by the officials.
These examples came up during the launch of the Back to School awareness campaign for road safety by the Ministry of Interior. Major General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of the UAE Federal Traffic Council, launched the campaign, to last three months.
“Some parents’ actions cause accidents and traffic jams, as they insist on dropping their children in front of the school gates. Parents should park near the schools and walk with their children to the gate for their safety,” Maj Gen Al Zafein said.
He also stressed that all school buses should use the stop sign while dropping off or picking up students. “It is important to use the sign to warn other motorists. Any driver not using the sign will be fined Dh500 and six traffic points,” Maj Gen Al Zafein said.
Official statistics revealed that in 2017, 87 traffic tickets were issued to school bus drivers in the UAE who failed to use the stop sign. Meanwhile, 473 motorists were fined last year for failing to halt on seeing the stop signs. They were fined Dh1,000 and slapped with 10 black points.
This is in accordance with Resolution No 178 of 2017 on traffic rules and procedures, and resolution No 91. “Bus drivers can record plate numbers of motorists who ignore the stop sign and inform the authority through the ‘We Are All Policemen’ programme,” Maj Gen Al Zafein added.
School bus drivers and parents are also urged to adhere to the rules when transporting their children. He also called on drivers to be careful while driving down the streets near schools, and when entering and exiting the school premises.
“The fine for reckless drivers near schools and residential areas is Dh400 and four traffic points. Last year, officers fined 190 drivers in the UAE,” warned Maj Gen Al Zafein.
Parents are urged to seat their children in the back and fasten seatbelts on the school run. According to official stats, 2,635 drivers were fined for letting kids under age 10, or less than 145cm in height, to sit in front. “The campaign will spread awareness through lectures in schools and via social networks,” Maj Gen Al Zafein said.
All school buses are required to use the stop sign while dropping off or picking up students. Drivers who fail to halt on seeing the school bus stop signs will be fined Dh1,000 and slapped with 10 black points.
My sons [students], please try to learn as much knowledge and science as you can and commit to the noble values and morals. I hope you diligently and persistently continue your educational journey.”
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces