Dubai: As schools reopen on August 31, driving carefully won’t just help you keep the UAE’s roads safer, it can also help you get four black points removed from your traffic file, as the UAE marks an ‘Accident-Free Day’.The UAE’s Ministry of Interior announced the initiative on Saturday, August 16, in coordination with police forces across the country.To participate, you will need to sign a pledge, which went live at 10am today (August 17), and if you are able to stay accident free on August 31, four black points will automatically be removed from your traffic file.Here’s all you need to know about how to participate.What is the Accident-Free Day Pledge?The Ministry of Interior’s Accident-Free Day initiative requires motorists to sign a pledge to adhere to the following basic safe driving practices:I will maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of me.I will yield to pedestrians at crossings.I will always wear my seatbelt.I will adhere to the speed limits.I will not use a handheld mobile phone while driving.I will give way to emergency vehicles, police, public service vehicles, and official convoys.How you can participate in the Accident-Free DayBefore August 31, make sure you complete the following steps:Visit - in with your UAE PASSYou will then be directed to the pledge, which will list out all the rules you need to keep in mind while driving.Click on ‘Yes, I agree’Complete the Captcha verification and then click on ‘Submit’.What are black points?In the UAE, black points serve as a federal demerit system, aimed at curbing dangerous driving behaviours. Serious traffic violations can lead to not just steep fines, but also black points added to your driving licence. To know more about the black point system, and a full list of all the violations that carry a black point, read our comprehensive guide here.The basics of safe drivingCommenting on the federal initiative, Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police and Head of the Accident-Free Day initiative, spoke about the importance of drivers and parents adhering to traffic laws and regulations, particularly with the start of the academic year and the increased traffic on roads and around schools.He also highlighted how the initiative aims at educating motorists on some fundamental traffic safety practices that make roads safer for everyone, like:Ensuring that your car is in a good working condition before you start your journey.Adhering to speed limits, particularly on streets and in areas surrounding schoolsAvoiding distractions and not using mobile phones while driving.Staying within designated lanes.Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles.Giving priority to pedestrians when crossing the road.
