Sulayem backs Al-Noor Safe Driving Campaign

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE and a rally driving legend in the Arab world, is giving his full backing to a major new safe driving initiative.

Sulayem will deliver a keynote address at the official opening of the Al-Noor Safe Driving Campaign 2008 on Wednesday (12th March) at Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology, and afterwards discuss road safety issues with an audience of more than 300 students.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the week-long campaign aims to raise road safety awareness and traffic dangers among young adults and the broader community. It also aims to promote responsible driving habits to reduce the number of accidents and tragedies on UAE roads caused by reckless and irresponsible driving.

The official opening on 12th March will be attended by the UAE Minister of Higher Education, H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan. The campaign closely follows the introduction on March 1st of the new Unified Federal Traffic Law which has put in place hefty penalties for serious traffic offences as well as a black points system to penalise drivers.

"The new traffic law is an important new initiative, but it’s equally important that we do more to educate young people in particular about safe driving and not just rely on bigger fines and penalties to cut down on dangerous and reckless driving," said Sulayem, the 14-times FIA Middle East Rally champion.

"The Al-Noor Safe Driving Campaign has been very carefully designed by Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology to promote general awareness among students and the local communities.

"This is exactly the kind of effort that is needed to make an impact and ultimately help to reduce the alarming number of fatal crashes and other accidents, and in the long term improve driving standards and make our roads safer."

The Al-Noor Safe Driving Campaign will focus on driving responsibilities, the tragic consequences of road accidents and will also teach accident prevention methods. It aims to stimulate students, families and the public to become more aware of traffic dangers and heed road safety measures.

The campaign will highlight key road safety measures to save lives, such as ensuring drivers and passengers always wear seatbelts, and that children and infants are buckled up in car seats.

It also aims to teach early prevention methods by reaching out to young children in schools, and to communities throughout the UAE by generating extensive media coverage.

The week-long event will feature a series of workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions and driving skills competitions, and senior officers from Sharjah police will be among a team of guest speakers.

- Tony Lewis, Total Communications Dubai - also photo