Wasim Akram bats for road safety in country

Drive safely, lead by example, says Wasim Akram. - File photo

Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram has endorsed the cause of road safety in the UAE.
In a recent message to the public, Akram spoke of the lack of public concern, the root cause of reckless driving, resulting in the large number of avoidable accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Akram was in the UAE recently to attend a community event organised by Nissan Middle East, and instantly offered his endorsement for the cause.
Buidling a parallel between sport and road safety, Akram said, "Cricket is a team sport. To be successful, one must interact with others around them, and assess their moves and intent. You need to closely watch out and care for each other. The same applies on the roads - watch out for others around you, anticipate their moves, and care for them.
Manners on the pitch are also akin to road manners, the esteemed cricketer said. "You have to lead by example, on or off the field. You have to lead by example: I drive safe and care for others around me, do you?"
Akram's endorsement comes in the wake of aggressive targets announced as part of the UAE government's UAE Vision 2021, to reduce the ratio of road traffic fatalities from almost 6 per 100,000 inhabitants (end of 2015) to 3 by 2021. Studies published by RoadSafetyUAE in 2016 show that 56 per cent of motorists say our roads have become more dangerous.
Road traffic figures from Dubai also showed that Pakistani nationals comprise the biggest group of motorists causing road accidents - they are responsible for 24 per cent of all fatalities and 21 per cent of injuries.
Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, said, "Akram's support is very precious, as he is such an icon for Pakistani nationals and all cricket fans. We believe that his message will be heard and that people will listen to his advice and guidance.
"Wasim Akram's support is truly fantastic, because the support of our leaders and role models plays a vital role in raising awareness of proper road behaviour. They have the power to encourage their fans to change their behaviour to the positive."
RoadSafetyUAE's vision is to reduce the number of road traffic fatalities, injuiries and accidents in the UAE, by raising everyone's awareness on road conduct, in an engaging and broadly communicated manner, on a permanent basis.
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com