Dubai Police have significantly increased the presence of traffic patrols and specialized teams across the city’s road networks and intersections. This deployment is timed to coincide with the start of the new academic year and supports the ongoing “A Day Without Accidents” initiative, which prioritizes road safety for students and commuters alike.
Brigadier Musabbah Saeed Al Ghafli, Assistant Commander-in-chief for Operations Affairs at Dubai Police, confirmed that a comprehensive operational plan is in place. The strategy focuses on high-traffic zones, particularly areas surrounding schools where the volume of private vehicles and school buses is expected to surge during morning and afternoon peak hours.
Authorities are prioritizing school entrances and exits to ensure rapid intervention and prevent the type of congestion that often disrupts traffic flow. Brigadier Al Ghafli emphasized that the return to school requires heightened vigilance and patience from all motorists. He advised parents to depart for school runs earlier than usual to avoid the pressure of rushing, which often leads to dangerous driving behaviors.
Specific safety protocols for parents include utilizing designated drop-off zones and ensuring children exit vehicles only from the side adjacent to the pavement. The police have issued strict warnings against common traffic violations such as double parking, stopping in the middle of the road, or obstructing school access points, as these actions create unnecessary hazards for students and other road users.
Brigadier Juma Salem Bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic and head of the “A Day Without Accidents” initiative, underscored the necessity of direct supervision. He urged parents to accompany young children all the way to the school gate rather than allowing them to navigate crossings independently. Furthermore, drivers must verify that the road is clear before opening any vehicle doors to prevent accidents.
For students utilizing school buses, safety remains a primary concern. Brigadier Bin Suwaidan instructed students to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to board or exit. Once off the bus, students should avoid walking directly in front of or behind the vehicle, as these areas fall into the driver’s blind spots. Instead, they are encouraged to use marked pedestrian crossings.
Motorists are reminded of their legal obligation to stop when a school bus extends its “STOP” sign. Drivers must remain stationary at a distance of at least five metres from the bus to ensure children can board or depart safely. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining a secure environment.
To ensure a smooth start to the term, Dubai Police are calling for full cooperation between parents, motorists, educational institutions, and security personnel. By following the directions of school security guards regarding parking and traffic flow, the public can help minimize congestion. Ultimately, authorities maintain that student safety is a collective responsibility that requires consistent adherence to traffic laws and a vigilant, patient approach on the roads.
Source: Gulf Today
