Events of the 32nd GCC Traffic Week started yesterday across the nation and GCC countries.

To mark the event, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, has launched a huge stand at Mall of the Emirates encompassing an array of interactive events for visitors. This year’s events, which roll on up to 17th March, are held under the theme: Your Decision Determines Your Fate.

"The GCC Traffic Week events are both interactive & creative. They are focused on all family members and visitors of Mall of the Emirate with the aim of raising public awareness about the risks of using the mobile phone while driving, said Hussein Al Banna, Executive Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic & Roads Agency.

"This year, we are keen to ensure that the activities of the traffic awareness stand cover all age groups, while taking into account the cultural differences and social orientations. The stand has Kids Corner offering printed materials, awareness-raising games and the latest edition of Salama Magazine. It also has an electronic training center fitted with a 3D monitor simulating electronic games meant for youth who have got or in the process of getting a driver license."

He added that it also has racks exhibiting driver-oriented publications, and giant screens displaying educative movies using 3D technology. The film has been tailor-made for the GCC Traffic Week offering pictorial narration of the risks of using mobile phone during driving along with drawings and statistics.

"The Stand will receive heads and members of GCC delegates visiting the UAE to mark the event. It describes RTA’s contributions to improving traffic safety levels in Dubai along with its year-long educative programs & events. The Stand is open for visitors of the Mall from 10 am to 10 pm. Traffic safety & awareness specialists will be in hand to guide the public about the importance of traffic safety principles, and respond to all queries," Al Banna said.

"The programme of the Traffic & Roads Safety for this week is not restricted to RTA Stand at Mall of the Emirates, but covers a diverse cast of activities. A host of educative messages, guidance, and movies will be transmitted via social media channels of the RTA and partners with the aim of maximising the benefit of all road users," he said.

Al Banna noted that the Agency will also hold events at the American University of Dubai in cooperation with the Dubai Police, and the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services as well as several partners dealing with vehicles and driving learning. Awareness leaflets dedicated for the GCC Traffic Week will be distributed at Emarat Petrol stations throughout the Week.

"Cooperation is up and running with a number of public and private schools for activating the activities of student traffic awareness teams through holding educative quizzes via school broadcasting system, staging traffic exhibitions and sending awareness leaflets to parents," he added.

Al Banna called on the public to contribute to the success of activities held by attending and taking part in those events, and always complying with the safe driving principles.

Source:WAM