In celebration of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) distributed 500 child car seats to families with newborns from December 1 to 5.
The initiative aims to foster a culture of road safety right from a child’s early days. The distribution was carried out through 26 hospitals across Dubai.
“Utilizing child-specific seats can decrease the risk of fatal accidents by up to 71% for infants and 54% for children aged one to four years,” stated Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Safety Guidelines for Children in Vehicles
RTA encourages parents to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure maximum safety for their children while traveling:
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Ensure the seat is suitable for the child’s age and weight, following the seat’s provided instructions.
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Confirm the seat is internationally certified and meets recognized safety standards.
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Test the seat’s installation in your vehicle before buying to ensure compatibility with the car’s anchoring system or seat belt.
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Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and harness adjustments.
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Avoid keeping the child in the seat for more than 30 consecutive minutes.
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Regularly check the harness, buckles, and fastenings, and ensure the seat’s safety post-accident.
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Install the car seat in the rear and never hold a child while driving.
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Avoid using the seat for feeding or home sleeping purposes.
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Remove bulky clothing to secure the harness properly on the child.
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Replace the seat immediately after any collision to maintain structural integrity.
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Provide specialized seats or harnesses for Children of Determination as per medical advice.
“Our initiative aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, emphasizing that vehicle restraints, such as child seats and seat belts, are crucial in saving lives and minimizing severe injuries from traffic accidents,” Al Khzaimy highlighted.
“Launched five years ago to promote child seat usage in cars, the initiative has grown steadily. The number of distributed seats rose from 200 in the first year to 500 by 2025, along with an increase in participating hospitals from 17 to 26 across Dubai.”
