In a major push for road safety, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has gifted 500 child car seats to families welcoming newborns. The distribution drive took place from December 1 to 5, coinciding with the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, across 26 hospitals in Dubai.
A Growing Commitment to Infant Safety
This effort marks the sixth edition of RTA's annual "Safety from the First Journey" initiative. The program is designed to embed safe driving habits right from a baby's first trip home from the hospital. Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, stressed that using proper child seats drastically cuts the danger of fatal accidents. He cited US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing correct use lowers infant death risk by up to 71% and by 54% for toddlers aged one to four.
The initiative's reach has expanded significantly since its launch five years ago. It began by distributing 200 seats through 17 hospitals. The current edition's scale of 500 seats across 26 hospitals by 2025 highlights its growing community impact. This project is a collaborative model involving the Dubai Police General Headquarters, Dubai Health Authority, and UNICEF. Al Khzaimy noted it aligns with Dubai's strategic traffic-safety objectives and RTA's vision for world-leading sustainable mobility.
Essential Guidelines for Parents
Alongside the free seats, RTA shared crucial safety tips for parents to ensure maximum protection for young travellers:
- Select a seat that matches the child's age and weight, and follow the maker's manual strictly.
- Ensure the seat has international certification and meets approved safety standards.
- Test the seat in your car before buying to check compatibility with belts or anchors.
- Install it carefully as per instructions and secure the harness correctly.
- Avoid letting a child stay in the seat for over 30 minutes without a break.
- Routinely check harnesses, buckles, and fastenings. Replace the seat after any accident.
- Always place the seat in the vehicle's rear. Never hold a child while driving.
- Do not use the car seat for feeding or as a bed at home.
- Remove thick jackets to ensure the harness fits snugly.
- For Children of Determination, use specialised seats or harnesses as advised by doctors.
These practices follow World Health Organization guidance, which confirms restraint systems like child seats are highly effective in saving lives and preventing severe injuries.
Building a Culture of Safety from Day One
The "Safety from the First Journey" drive underscores RTA's deep commitment to community welfare and traffic awareness. By providing each newborn with a car seat, the authority offers a practical safety tool while sending a powerful symbolic message about responsible driving. The program is coordinated with hospitals to align seat distribution with expected births, ensuring efficiency and wide coverage.
The initiative's growth from 200 to 500 seats over five years demonstrates its success in fostering a culture of traffic safety from the very start of life. Through such sustained efforts, Dubai continues to set a high benchmark in road safety awareness and community engagement, ensuring children begin their life's journey protected and cared for.
