Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Porsche Centre Dubai collaborate for safer roads 19.10.2014: Instant spot cash rewards for Emirates’ safest drivers as bi-annual RoadStar contest returns

Instant spot cash rewards for Emirates’ safest drivers as bi-annual RoadStar contest returns



photo caption:  A ‘Porsche RoadStar’:  Khawar Habibis awarded an instant cash prize of AD1,000 for driving safely.  The bi-annual RoadStar contest, sponsored by Porsche Centre Dubai is taking place from 19-23 October.


Porsche Centre Dubai has joined forces with both Dubai Police and Sharjah Police in a unique road safety campaign that recognises and rewards safe driving on the Emirates’ roads. 


According to the Traffic Coordination Department at the Ministry of Interior, traffic accidents registered in the UAE have decreased by 10.7 percent over the first eight months of the year.


These positive findings emerge as the bi-annual RoadStar contest gets underway, concluding on 23 October, which sees a pair of Porsche Cayenne SUVs, provided by Porsche Centre Dubai, driven by Dubai Police and Sharjah Police to patrol the roads during three traffic rush hours each day.


Instead of issuing fines for dangerous driving, the traffic officers will reward the Emirates’ most conscientious drivers with instant cash prizes of AED1,000 along with a ‘safe driver’ certificate.


Now in its 32nd edition, RoadStar is supported by the Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF).  A total amount of AED50,000 will be distributed throughout the five-day campaign, with at least 10 good drivers awarded on a daily basis.


Drivers who carry out the basic principles of safe driving, such as wearing seatbelts, using child safety seats and hands-free mobiles, and who display courtesy in addition to adhering to speed limits will come under the patrol’s radar.


“The RoadStar contest is an initiative that encourages and rewards safe drivers on Dubai and Sharjah roads,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles, the sole distributor for Porsche in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.


“The concept of rewarding safe drivers and creating a buzz around their safe driving techniques is important because it has an immediate positive impact on the drivers and their friends and family.  This is a highly effective way of reinforcing a road safety culture among our community, and the results are already evident; latest statistics reveal there are fewer accidents so far this year than in 2013.”


Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of Automobile and Touring Club of UAE, President of Emirates Motor Sports Federation and FIA Vice-President said: “We are happy to again lend our support to an initiative which sets out to promote safe driving and recognises and rewards those who best follow our traffic rules, in doing so setting an example for others.”


The RoadStar contest, organised by Ciel Events, and co-sponsored by RSA Insurance and EMA Lubricants, runs in Dubai from 19-21 October, before moving on to Sharjah from 22-23 October.


Ciel Events Director and founder of the RoadStar campaign Ms. Roshanara Sait said: “If each one of us makes a conscious effort to drive safely, precious lives will be saved.  RoadStar acts as a good medium to remind people to respect road rules at all times.


“Driving safely must become a habit and such initiatives should be undertaken on a regular basis as they certainly create awareness.  It is a long process, but well worth it because I believe the younger generation, the new drivers, are the ones we should target before they make bad driving a habit.  The AED1,000 cash reward is more an incentive than anything else because it lends a human touch to a serious issue that affects a wide spectrum of society.”




- Sarah Brook, Total Communications Dubai - also photo