"The RAK Police have also launched a local campaign under the theme 'Students, Our Responsibility'.
With a few days left for the new academic year, the Ras Al Khaimah Police are all geared up to ensure the safety of students and smoothen the traffic flow in front of all schools of the emirate.
Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, Director-General of the Central Operations Department, RAK police, said 45 traffic and security patrols are assigned to control traffic congestions during peak hours.
"The RAK Police have also launched a local campaign under the theme 'Students, Our Responsibility' to develop traffic awareness of students and their parents, boost safety and security in the emirate, and curb road snarls and casualties," he added.
The police will carry out the campaign in collaboration with all the bodies concerned with the educational process, he said, adding that the patrols will be deployed across all the roads of the emirate, mainly major intersections leading to schools.
Mohammed Salem, a traffic safety engineer, told Khaleej Times that young children mostly do not have the skills needed to negotiate traffic safely, and hence drivers should be fully alert while their parents or caregivers need to enlighten them about traffic rules.
"Young children, if walking to school, should walk on sidewalks, cross at intersections and pedestrian crossings, wear a helmet when riding a bike, and only ride on a roadway."
When crossing intersections without signals or crossing guards, children should stop before stepping into the road and indicate their crossing intention to coming motorists, he added.
"Young children should also check all directions before crossing. Stop, look and cross safely only when the road or intersection is clear."
When crossing intersections with signals, children should push the pedestrian button (where they exist), wait for the pedestrian walk sign and indicate their crossing intention to motorists, Eng Salem pointed out.
As for drivers, they should be aware of school zone signs, reduce speed in school zones and be ready to stop at all times, he said adding that motorists should take extra care as children do not always notice oncoming traffic.
"Drivers should always try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road, be patient and wait for the children to complete their crossing before proceeding, stop when directed to do so by a crossing guard."
Safety instructions
> Students who walk to school should use the sidewalks.
> While crossing the roads, use designated pedestrian crossings.
> If the crossings are not signalled, verify that there are no vehicles, and indicate the crossing intention to motorists if there are any.
> Motorists should slow down in school zones. If there are children waiting to cross the road, stop the vehicle till they complete their crossing.
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