Abu Dhabi Police advisory: Six key measures to keep children safe in cars

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, has launched the sixth edition of the “Safe Summer” campaign.
In an advisory, police has warned against leaving children unattended in vehicles during the summer months, whether while traveling or when the car is parked.
In collaboration with the Civil Defence Authority, the police have outlined six essential safety measures to protect children inside vehicles, especially critical during the summer, when temperatures soar and families rely heavily on cars for transportation.

Authorities stressed following 6 precautions:

Always place children in appropriate child safety seats.

Ensure seat belts are fastened securely.

Never leave or forget children inside the vehicle.

Park in safe, shaded areas and pay close attention when children are exiting the car.

Prevent children from opening the vehicle doors or attempting to drive.

Never allow children to sit in the front seat, especially behind the steering wheel, during driving.

Front seat safety restrictions

It is strictly prohibited for children aged 10 or below or those shorter than 145 cm to sit in the front seat of a vehicle due to safety risks. In the event of an accident, the front seat typically absorbs the most impact, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries for children. Violating this rule incurs a fine of Dh400. The regulation also applies to adults under 145 cm in height.

Critical role of seat belts

Seat belts are vital in minimising the risk of injury in road accidents. They help secure children in place, significantly reducing the chance of serious injuries. During sudden collisions or hard braking, seat belts restrict body movement, providing added protection to the child’s head, neck and torso.

Summer vehicle safety awareness

To promote public awareness of summer vehicle safety, particularly for road travel, authorities emphasise the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices during high-temperature conditions.

Six key public awareness messages

1. Regular maintenance: Conduct thorough vehicle inspections before travel, including checks on the engine, brakes, tyres, and fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid).

2. Tyre checks: Inspect tyre pressure regularly, especially in summer, and check for signs of wear or cracks.

3. Fluid checks: Ensure all essential fluids are at optimal levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and top up if needed.

4. Brake inspection: Test brake efficiency and functionality, especially before long-distance trips.

5. Light functionality: Confirm that all vehicle lights are working properly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.

6. Valid documentation: Ensure all vehicle documents – driver’s licence, insurance, registration, are up to date and valid.

3 additional safety guidelines

Road safety compliance: Travelers must follow traffic rules, avoid reckless driving and speeding, and always wear seat belts.

Driving in hot weather: Take regular breaks and avoid traveling during peak heat hours.

Emergency preparedness: Drivers should know how to respond in case of emergencies, such as breakdowns or accidents, and how to contact emergency services.

More tips for safe travel

Avoid long hours of continuous driving: Plan to stop and rest every 2–3 hours.

Do not drive while fatigued: If you feel sleepy or exhausted, rest before continuing.

Keep water and snacks in the car: Useful during unexpected delays or emergencies.

Have a first aid kit readily available: Crucial for minor injuries or accidents.

Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles: Particularly in hot weather, as this can pose a serious danger to their lives.