The "Tathqeef” education patrols at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police operate within an integrated system to enhance and promote the traffic safety culture among the various society segments. These efforts would contribute to curbing traffic accidents and their severe risks.
Captain Hamdan Hassan Bin Thaiban, Acting Chief of Public Relations Section at the Traffic and Patrols Directorate in Abu Dhabi Police, stressed the need for all community members to constantly acquire and develop a traffic safety culture. "To this end, the Traffic and Patrols Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police strives diligently to enhance traffic safety awareness among the public. This step is in pursuance of the Abu Dhabi Police's traffic safety strategy and its community outreach methodology, aimed at elevating the concepts of traffic awareness to the highest international standards. It also embodies its priority of making roads safer,” noted Bin Thaiban.
Furthermore, he indicated that the directorate has reinforced its traffic awareness patrols operating within the community by adding the "Tathqeef” education patrols to its fleet in 2011 across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. "These patrols received a favourable response from members of the public of different social segments and age groups since they were introduced,” emphasised Bin Thaiban.
Adding further, Bin Thaiban indicated that the "Tathqeef” education patrols conduct campaigns and field visits on the various roads across the emirate of Abu Dhabi, to boost awareness among motorists and provide them with detailed explanation on the rules of traffic safety. "The ‘Tathqeef' education patrols also distribute awareness brochures and leaflets to motorists in several languages. They also organise public awareness campaigns in public places and malls, in addition to lectures at the various academic institutions of all education stages, in order to help curtail traffic accidents.
It is noteworthy that these patrols seek to inculcate the concept of shared responsibility in community members to achieve security and safety for themselves and for others, in line with the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ'S strategic plan. To attain this objective, several means and methods were adopted so as to instil the sense of security and traffic culture in all individuals towards their family, their society and their country.
Traffic Awareness
Citizen Nasser Saeed Al Kathiri noted that road safety is a shared responsibility between the competent authorities and the public, especially motorists. He also pointed out that parents play a vital role in educating their children about traffic safety rules, and the need to adhere to these rules to preserve their lives and avoid traffic accidents. He also added that the "Tathqeef” education patrols have had an instrumental role in raising traffic awareness among various society segments, by delivering age-appropriate information in several languages and a simplified manner.
Furthermore, Al Kathiri indicated that Abu Dhabi Police are exerting significant efforts to acquaint the public with traffic laws and the need to observe these laws to avoid traffic violations that may cause severe damage.
Concerted Joint Efforts
For his part, Citizen Omar Salim Alakbari underscored the importance of concerted efforts between Abu Dhabi Police and the public to ensure the success of traffic awareness endeavours. "Lack of knowledge of the simplest traffic systems and laws among road users leads to an increased number of traffic accidents and a surge in human and material losses,” added Alakbari. He also pointed out that traffic awareness efforts are not the sole responsibility of a certain entity; they require the concerted efforts of all government and private institutions, civil society institutions and community members in order to make roads safer, and maintain the safety of road users.
Adding further, Citizen Omar Salim Alakbari said: "The ‘Tathqeef' education patrols endeavour to enhance the level of traffic awareness among the various segments of society. They are also designed to encourage the public to assume their responsibilities with respect to traffic safety issues, by providing proper education to motorists, road users and pedestrians, on the roads and in public places, as well as by organising lectures in public and private institutions in several languages for various age groups.
Overwhelming Response
Resident Redouane Mohammed Al Qahtani stresses the need to observe traffic laws, avoid reckless driving and support police efforts by complying with laws. He also noted that the competent traffic police entities seek to offer high quality services to motorists and road users alike. Concluding, he added: "The ‘Tathqeef' education patrols are a part of the widespread societal activities across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and enjoy an overwhelming response from the various segments of the public.”
Source: The Gulf Today