It is inexplicable that many motorists and passengers do not feel the need to wear seat belts. They fail to understand that in the event of an accident, the seat belts could save lives.
The Ministry of Interior has announced that all rear-seat passengers in vehicles will have to wear seat belts beginning July. The driver will be fined Dh400 and receive four black points on his or her licence if the rule is violated. The front seat belt is already mandatory.
A survey has revealed that 91 per cent of respondents realise that seat belts protect drivers and front-seat passengers. But a startling and shocking 81 per cent said they were not aware that seat belts were also key to protecting rear passengers.
The law making seatbelts mandatory for rear passengers is an excellent step, given the high number of road accidents in the UAE and fatalities, which have a huge emotional and financial cost. However, the mammoth task ahead of the authorities is changing mindsets and making people understand that they must wear a seat belt while sitting in the back seat of a vehicle. It is the responsibility of each member of society to raise awareness on this crucial issue. Using mobile phones while driving is also prohibited and is extremely dangerous because distracted driving can cause horrific fatal crashes.
Yet, the danger of this irresponsible practice has not sunk in among many motorists who whip out their phones the moment they get behind the wheel. The law has not been a deterrent either.
Awareness in society has to be spread. It is the responsibility of both the authorities and residents, and the law must be enforced through patrols and spot fines. But the onus of safety lies with motorists and passengers. If they don’t care, hardly anyone will. Only their loved ones. And that is a ravaging cost.
