Safety in vehicles to be the highlight for 2013

Accidents occur due to several reasons including reckless driving, drink and drive, non-licensed drivers, and many more. However, speeding is the major cause for most of the accidents as revealed by a national driving survey.

Following the tragic road accidents and as an effort to curb accidents caused by speeding, the Dubai Police and Ministry of Interior has introduce several initiatives to reduce road deaths to zero per 100,000 residents by 2020 from the current rate of four per 100,000 residents. To achieve the desired results by 2020, Ministry of Interior in association with Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) has conformed to start the application of requirements and new mandatory standards for passenger buses.

In accordance with the mandate, ESMA has approved speed control devices of international standards to be fitted in the public and private vehicles with a capacity of 22 passengers or less that lock the speed at 100 km/h, as per the standards and specifications mentioned in Cabinet Resolution No. 6 of 2011. Following the specifications as stated by ESMA the standards will be implemented without delay and these devices will be made available to auto dealers by M/s Autograde being the authorized manufacturer of the speed limiting device in UAE.

"The speed control device is ready to be installed device and is already available across leading automobile dealers across UAE. Autograde will also have 100 fitment centers across UAE. We are committed to the well-being and safety of the people thus adding value to the economy through our customer-friendly policies and quality-oriented practices," said Mr. Mohammed Ashraf, the Managing Director of Autograde.

However, safety on the roads is not the sole responsibility of the police and the ministry but also the motorists, passengers and pedestrians. It is true that accidents, violations and deaths are bound to happen, but that does not relieve anyone of the duty to ensure safety on the roads.