Motorists win cars as reward for safe driving

DUBAI // Two motorists will drive away with a brand new car as reward for a safe year behind the wheel.

Layla Mohammad Mubarak and Atiq Mubarak Saleh Sabousi were the top two names drawn from more than 1,500 people who did not commit a single traffic offence in 2014. They were picked out by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed as part of the annual White Points campaign.

To qualify, drivers must not commit offences such as speeding, passing under Salik gates without credit or being issued traffic tickets in Dubai or the other emirates.

“Every year we celebrate motorists who committed to traffic laws, whose driving raised the standard of road safety and provided a danger-free environment,” said Dubai Police chief Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzeina. “One of Dubai Police’s main goals is to decrease the number of deaths on the roads and to utilise all its tools and resources to ensure safety.”

Ms Mubarak won a Hyundai Veloster. It was not clear what type of car Mr Sabousi will receive as the competition usually only has one winner, but this year Sheikh Mansour decided to personally award a vehicle to a second motorist.

Ms Mubarak, who works at a bank, said she was not expecting to win.

“I was at work when I received a phone call from a lieutenant telling me that I had won a car. I told him off thinking it was a prank or scam, but he explained that it was all real and a result of the White Points campaign. I knew my name was in the draw a while back, but I completely forgot about it. I was not expecting it at all.”

Mr Sabousi, who works at Dubai Customs, said he was honoured to win.

“I have always tried to commit to traffic laws, and it’s a great honour to be recognised.”