Dubai: UAE resident of 34 years, Syed Hossain was not startled when he was stopped by police on Wednesday morning, after dropping his brother at Sharjah Airport simply because he considered himself a relatively safe driver.
Unaware that he was flagged as part of the Shell GoldStar Contest for following road safety rules, the cargo company driver from Bangladesh felt proud when he was greeted by the police and awarded the Responsible Road Users Award.
“They asked for my license and registration but I didn’t feel scared because I am always very careful on the road. Then they smiled and took a picture with me after rewarding me with Dh1,000 cash prize,” said the 50-year-old driver.
Hossain pointed out he had received no more than a total of Dh1,000 in fines over his 34 years of driving in the UAE.
“I plan to use the prize to make food and spread it among the needy. My family have enough money, so I want to help those in need,” said Hossain.
The Road Star initiative is organised by Shell in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Sharjah Police and Ciel Marketing & Events, with the aim of rewarding safe drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who follow safety rules and behaviours across Dubai and Sharjah, with cash prizes.
Unlike Hossain, Mother of four, Rasha Refat Al Bassuoni, was nervous when she was stopped by police while on her way to do some dress shopping with her mother in Sharjah.
The Sharjah resident from Egypt, said was unable to pin point what she had done wrong on the road to be flagged by the police.
After providing the police her details and asking several questions Al Bassuoni realised she was being awarded for driving safely.
“I was very proud to be awarded by the police and RTA, and I advise all my friends and family to follow the rules on the road to ensure safety for all drivers,” she said.
The pharmacist said she will be sharing her prize with her family by buying gifts for her husband, children, and parents.
During the three-day campaign, a total of Dh30,000 will be awarded, with 10 road users selected each day until March 7. In support of the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda that aims to reduce the number of road deaths to three per 100,000 residents by 2021, the campaign encourages road users to incorporate good safety habits into their daily routines.
The campaign is also supported by Gulf News, Oman Insurance, Porsche Centre Dubai and Wheels magazine.
