Prioritize road safety in the New Year, especially for toddlers and young children who need secure seating in car seats, as emphasized by Dubai Police. Safety is a shared priority, with the importance of securely seating children underscored for those 12 years and below and those above 13 years old. A recent survey revealed that 33% of UAE parents lack proper car seats for their children. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, stressed the responsibility of parents to establish safety habits from birth, ensuring the use of proper child restraint systems, including rear-facing seats for infants and booster seats for children aged 5-10. Stay informed on child car safety regulations for the well-being of your little ones on the road
Shocking findings emerged from a YouGov survey commissioned by RoadSafetyUAE and Cybex, highlighting a significant road safety issue related to child car seat ownership, usage, and knowledge. Key reasons for not owning a child car seat included a lack of knowledge about what to buy (26%), children not liking to be strapped in (26%), and perceived high prices (26%). Disturbingly, about 30% of parents with proper child car seats do not always ensure their children buckle up. The UAE mandates seat belt use for all passengers, with violators facing a Dh400 fine and four black points. Children up to four years must use child safety seats, with similar penalties for non-compliance. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, stressed the need for further parental education, enforcement around schools, and the implementation of a mandatory newborn hospital discharge policy to enhance child safety measures.