As the new school year approaches, the UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) is once again launching its annual “Accident-Free Day” campaign, scheduled for August 26, 2024.
This initiative aims to ensure that the first day of school is free from traffic accidents, promoting safer roads for students, parents, and all road users.
By participating in this campaign, drivers can actively contribute to road safety and even benefit from a reduction of black points on their driving licenses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the “Accident-Free Day” campaign and how you can participate.
What is the “Accident-Free Day” Campaign?
The “Accident-Free Day” campaign is a nationwide road safety initiative introduced by the UAE’s Federal Traffic Council under the Ministry of Interior.
The campaign’s primary goal is to ensure that the roads across the UAE remain accident-free on the first day of the academic year, which is Monday, August 26, 2024.
This initiative aligns with the UAE government’s broader vision to enhance traffic safety and foster a culture of responsible driving.
Why August 26, 2024?
August 26 marks the beginning of the new academic year, a day when roads are typically busier with parents driving their children to school, buses transporting students, and general traffic flow increasing due to the start of school.
The campaign aims to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of cautious and responsible driving, especially on this day, to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all road users, particularly schoolchildren.
The “Accident-Free Day” campaign encourages drivers to sign an online pledge to commit to safe driving practices. By signing this pledge, drivers agree to adhere to specific road safety rules on August 26, with the goal of avoiding any traffic violations or accidents.
The Pledge Includes:
Maintaining a Safe Distance: Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid sudden collisions.
Yielding to Pedestrians: Give way to pedestrians at crossings, ensuring their safety as they navigate the roads.
Wearing a Seatbelt: Ensure that you and all passengers are wearing seatbelts at all times.
Adhering to Speed Limits: Follow the posted speed limits, especially in school zones where reduced speeds are crucial.
Avoiding Distractions: Do not use handheld mobile phones while driving, as distractions can lead to accidents.
Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles: Always give priority to emergency vehicles, police, and public service vehicles, allowing them to pass without delay.
Benefits of Participating
One of the key incentives for participating in the “Accident-Free Day” campaign is the opportunity to reduce black points from your driving license.
Drivers who successfully adhere to the pledge and avoid any violations or accidents on August 26 will have four black points deducted from their driving records.
This is a significant benefit for drivers who may have accumulated black points and are looking for a way to reduce them.
How to Sign Up for the Pledge
Signing up for the “Accident-Free Day” pledge is a straightforward process:
Go to the official website of the UAE’s Ministry of Interior.
If you already have an account, log in. If not, create a new account.
Look for the “Accident-Free Day” campaign and sign the pledge to commit to safe driving on August 26.
On August 26, ensure that you adhere to all the rules outlined in the pledge to qualify for the black point reduction.
The Impact of the Campaign
Brigadier General Engineer Hussain Ahmed Al Harthy, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council, highlighted that the “Accident-Free Day” campaign is an essential part of the Ministry’s strategy to enhance road safety across the UAE.
The campaign aims to educate drivers on the importance of vehicle safety, adherence to speed limits, and the dangers of distractions while driving. By promoting these practices, the campaign contributes to a safer traffic environment for everyone.
The campaign also emphasizes the need for collective responsibility. It is not just the drivers who must be vigilant, but also pedestrians and other road users who play a role in ensuring a safe and accident-free day.
I'm Haris Ali, and I've been working with identification documents in the GCC countries for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
