Cop alerts seatbelt ditchers with a smile
ras al khaimah — Driving without buckling up invites a Dh400 fine and four black points on the licence. A traffic policeman in Ras Al Khaimah has decided to strap himself a seatbelt with a sweet smile.
First sergeant Sameer Abdullah chose to stand in the middle of the RAK roads wearing a seatbelt to develop public awareness on the importance of buckling up. “My ‘Buckle-up & Smile’ drive is meant to appreciate compliant drivers and urge non-compliant drivers about this life-saving tool in a more friendly and acceptable way.”
Non-compliant drivers, when spotted by Abdullah, think they would get a ticket, but instead, he just smiles and asks them to fasten their seatbelts. “All drivers were happy about the initiative and willingly buckled up.”
Sherif Al Wakeel, an Egyptian national, told Khaleej Times that forgot to fasten his seatbelt while driving to his workplace. “Abdullah, the RAK traffic policeman, alerted me, and to my surprise, by smiling. He did not even stop me. He waved and I waved back with a smile of appreciation.”
Major-General Ali Abdullah bin Alwan Al Nuaimi, Commander-in-Chief of the RAK Police, has honoured Abdullah for his innovative drive. “Abdullah’s initiative has left a significant positive impact on all the drivers who passed by him.”
Col Ali Saeed Al Alkeem, director of the traffic and patrols department, said the ‘Buckle-up & Smile’ drive is part of the one-month campaign during which traffic patrols will be deployed on all the roads of the emirate to “enlighten the drivers about the important of being strapped while behind the wheel”.
As per the federal traffic law, failing to faster seatbelts while driving draws a fine of Dh400 and four black points, he warned. “No fines will be slapped on this particular violation during the one-month campaign.” Seatbelts have saved the life of many people, he pointed out.
Effective from July 1 this year, all passengers travelling in a vehicle will need to buckle up.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
Abdullah, the RAK traffic policeman, alerted me, and to my surprise, by smiling. He did not even stop me. He waved and I waved back with a smile of appreciation.” Sherif Al Wakeel, an Egyptian national
My ‘Buckle-up & Smile’ drive is meant to appreciate compliant drivers and urge noncompliant drivers to wear this life-saving tool in a friendly way.” Sameer Abdullah, first sergeant, RAK Police