UAE taxis to have two child car seats

Taxis in the UAE will have two child car seats kept in the cars for potential costumers, in line with the new traffic rules that came effective from July 1, according to a senior official of the Dubai Police.
Major-General Mohammed Saif Al Zafeen, assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police for Operational Affairs and director of the Federal Traffic Council, said that all traffic departments will issue a circular to their roads and transport authorities to address the availability for child seats in taxis.
Cabbies could keep the child seats in the trunk of the car and take it out when the requirement comes, he said.
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A recent study has shown that seating children on dedicated car seats and wearing appropriate seatbelts reduced the risk of accidental deaths by 70 per cent and serious injuries by 50 per cent. Experts said that the use of child seats can be more useful in family taxis, not in regular taxis, so as to cope with the changes taking place.
Maj-Gen Al Zafeen said that the driver will not be distracted and would be able to focus better on the roads if children are seated safely.
"Violators who do not provide children with seats in their vehicles will be stopped and advised about the safety of children. The current focus is on educating individuals about the new traffic amendments and the need to use child car seats in their vehicle. The offenders will be fined Dh400, once the awareness stage is over."
Maj-Gen Al Zafeen pointed out that the parents who are allowing toddlers to sit in the front seats are risking their lives. "Reserving special seats for infants and toddlers is not common in Arab or Asian culture, but it is one that we need to adopt. The insistence of some mothers to hold their kids while sitting in the front seat is very risky. Mothers should accompany their child sitting on their car seats for maximum safety.
amira@khaleejtimes.com