Safety in public transport has taken a turn for the better as child car seats are introduced to taxis
In an effort to reduce child-related injuries on the road, the authorities have introduced mandatory child safety seats in Abu Dhabi’s hire car and taxis.
A 2013 report by Health Authority–Abu Dhabi (HAAD) showed that 60 per cent of all child deaths in the Emirate were due to road traffic injuries.
“If a child is restrained in a safety car seat from an early age, he or she will more likely develop the habit of wearing a seatbelt throughout his or her life,” said Faisal Ahmed Al Suwaidi, general director of Main Roads at the Department of Transport.
The DoT and HAAD have also collaborated on a brochure in both English and Arabic to advise parents on the selection and use of safety car seats for their kids.
Mohamed Darwish Al Qamzi, general manager of TransAD, said the taxi regulator was keen to be part of the project. “It is our responsibility to implement the highest safety standards that would help in saving lives.”
