Films teach drivers good conduct

DUBAI // The emirate has produced five films to instruct road users on proper driving etiquette.

In collaboration with Tawazon Channel, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the videos in Arabic and English on raising public awareness on various issues.

They include speeding, driving through red lights, using seat belts and special seats for children, driving in changing weather conditions, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding distractions.

The RTA said it hoped to better spread its message using films, rather than publications and lectures.

The agency said it used cartoons to tell short stories about positive and negative traffic behaviour.

The topics covered in the films were chosen after the RTA reviewed several studies to highlight areas of concern.

For instance, speeding was a primary or secondary factor in most road accidents, according to the RTA. And the practice of jumping red lights was among the most dangerous offences in Dubai.

More than 13,000 motorists were caught driving through red lights in Dubai in the 11 months up to January, according to Dubai Police.

Of the 13,095 traffic breaches, 925 motorists were caught by police officers, while the rest were caught on camera.

In February, Dubai’s traffic prosecution department called for the law to be amended so that offending motorists would face prison sentences.

The RTA said it would release the films on social media, at driving institutes, schools and colleges.