Abu Dhabi Police have started a wide road safety campaign in schools across the emirate. The goal is to improve student awareness of traffic rules and reduce accidents during school travel hours. The programme comes as students return to the new academic term, when roads become more crowded in the morning and afternoon.
The campaign is called the “Back to School” initiative. It is led by the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate. Officers are visiting schools and speaking directly to students. They are teaching simple and practical safety habits that can be used every day. Police say early learning is very important. It helps children grow up with strong road safety habits.
Officials said the main aim is to reduce road accidents near school zones. These areas often face heavy traffic during school timings. Many cars, buses, and pedestrians move at the same time. This creates a higher risk of accidents. Police want all road users to stay alert and careful.
During the sessions, officers explained basic vehicle safety rules. Students were taught to always wear seat belts when inside a car or bus. They were also told to stay seated while the vehicle is moving. Police showed how unsafe movement inside a vehicle can lead to injuries even at low speed.
A major focus was school bus safety. Officers explained the danger zones around buses. These are areas where the driver may not clearly see children. Students were trained on how to safely get on and off buses. They were told to wait for the bus to fully stop before moving. They were also warned not to cross in front or behind a bus without care.
The police also addressed growing scooter use among young people. Many children use electric scooters in residential areas. Officers explained the need to wear safety gear like helmets. They also said riders must use proper cycling paths where available. Riding at high speed or in crowded areas was strongly discouraged. Police said unsafe scooter use is becoming a concern in some neighborhoods.
Pedestrian safety was another key topic. Students were taught to use marked crossings when walking near roads. They were also advised not to use mobile phones or other distractions while crossing. Officers stressed that attention and patience are important for safe walking.
The Abu Dhabi Police said this campaign is part of a larger road safety plan. It supports the emirate’s wider Smart Road Security strategy. The strategy focuses on reducing accidents through education, awareness, and enforcement. Officials believe that building responsibility at a young age can reduce long-term risks.
Police also said school zones need extra attention from drivers. Motorists were reminded to slow down near schools. They were also urged to follow stop rules when school buses pick up or drop off children. These rules help protect students during busy traffic hours.
To make the sessions more engaging, police distributed awareness gifts to students. These items carried safety messages and reminders. Officials said the goal is to keep safety awareness active even after the sessions end. They want students to remember these lessons as part of daily life.
The initiative also connects with wider efforts to manage traffic congestion during school hours. Abu Dhabi sees increased road activity during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Police say better awareness among students and drivers can reduce delays and improve safety at the same time.
Authorities added that patrols around schools have also been increased. Officers are monitoring traffic behaviour more closely in school zones. This includes checking speed limits and ensuring safe bus stops. The aim is to create a safer environment for students across the emirate.
The campaign reflects a long-term effort to build a strong road safety culture in Abu Dhabi. Police believe that combining education with enforcement can reduce preventable accidents. They also stress that safety is a shared responsibility between students, parents, drivers, and schools.
As the academic year continues, the Abu Dhabi school safety programme is expected to reach more students. Police plan to continue visits and awareness sessions throughout the term.
