Al Yousuf campaigns for 'culture of safety'

Recent local headlines have been dominated by reports of the increasing accident rates on the roads and in the homes of the UAE, with a sharp rise in fatalities resulting from automobile accidents and increased injuries caused by careless use of vehicles, bikes, marine craft, industrial and home appliances.

Al Yousuf strongly expressed the need for a grass-roots campaign to encourage greater caution and safety awareness.

"What we see across the Emirates is that careless use of everyday products is causing unnecessary distress and an unacceptable level of accidents,"

said Eqbal Al Yousuf, president and CEO of Al Yousuf Group.

"While it is right that the authorities take the necessary steps to curb this negative behavior, it is also important that the community takes steps to educate people to behave in a more socially-responsible manner,"

he added.

The aim of the campaign is to be as broad-based as possible, looking at all areas where careless behavior can result in accidents. It will incorporate awareness-raising around safety on the roads, at the beach and even in the home - domestic accidents accounting for more serious injuries than road accidents in the region.

"A grass roots effort, which encourages people to act responsibility and to take better care of their own lives - and the lives of their fellow residents - will help us to ensure that our society feels both happier and more secure," commented Al Yousuf.

As part of the campaign, Al Yousuf is looking to partner with groups across the UAE who feel they could have a positive impact on increasing awareness and inculcating a safety-conscious culture.

Al Yousuf is already in discussion with a number of media outlets with a view to developing safety awareness features and is considering meeting with community and residents groups across the UAE to promote activities aimed at young people.

As a leading group operating in a range of industries, including automobiles, marine and real estate, Al Yousuf believes it can play a key role in helping to build a safer community and ensure a strong sense of social responsibility through the UAE.