Sipu Jha
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken a significant step to ensure road safety for the youngest members of society. Between December 1 and 5, in celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, the authority distributed 500 child car seats to families with newborns across 26 hospitals in Dubai. This effort is part of RTA’s sixth annual “Safety from the First Journey” initiative, which aims to instill safe driving practices from a child’s very first ride.
Promoting road safety from day one
The initiative underscores the importance of early adoption of road safety practices. Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, emphasized that the use of dedicated child seats significantly reduces the risk of fatal accidents. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the risk of death drops by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for children aged one to four when these seats are used correctly.Launched five years ago, the initiative has grown steadily. In its first year, 200 child car seats were distributed through 17 hospitals. By 2025, that number has risen to 500 seats across 26 hospitals, reflecting the program’s expanding reach and growing impact on the community.The initiative is implemented in collaboration with Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai Health Authority, and UNICEF. Al Khzaimy highlighted that it represents a successful model of sustainable cooperation between government entities, the private sector, and international organizations. He added that the program aligns with Dubai’s strategic traffic-safety goals and supports RTA’s vision of becoming a world leader in seamless and sustainable mobility.
Guidelines for ensuring child safety in vehicles
Alongside distributing the car seats, RTA has shared essential safety guidelines to maximize protection for children while traveling:
- Ensure the seat matches the child’s age and weight, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Verify that the seat is internationally certified and meets recognized safety standards.
- Test the seat in the vehicle before purchase to confirm compatibility with seat belts or anchoring systems.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation and when adjusting the harness.
- Avoid keeping a child in the seat for more than 30 consecutive minutes.
- Regularly inspect harnesses, buckles, and fastenings, and replace the seat after any accident.
- Always install the seat in the rear of the vehicle, and never hold a child while driving.
- Avoid using the seat for feeding or allowing the child to sleep at home.
- Remove thick clothing to ensure the harness fits securely.
- Provide specialized seats or harnesses for Children of Determination as recommended by medical professionals.
Al Khzaimy noted that these practices follow the World Health Organization’s guidance, which identifies vehicle restraint systems, including child seats and seat belts, as highly effective in saving lives and preventing serious injuries.
Looking ahead
The “Safety from the First Journey” initiative demonstrates RTA’s ongoing commitment to community welfare and traffic awareness. By giving each newborn a child car seat, the authority not only provides a practical tool for safety but also sends a symbolic message about the importance of responsible driving. Coordinated with hospitals to match seat distribution to expected births, the program ensures efficiency and maximum coverage.Over the past five years, the initiative’s growth from 200 seats in 17 hospitals to 500 seats in 26 hospitals highlights its success in embedding a culture of traffic safety from the earliest stage of life. With such efforts, Dubai continues to set a benchmark in road safety awareness and community engagement, ensuring that children begin their journey in life with protection and care.
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