Volvo Trucks holds Abu Dhabi safety event

Date: 17/1/2012

Volvo Trucks has held a traffic safety seminar in Abu Dhabi to promote the idea of achieving a zero-death record on roads in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 2020.

Presented by Volvo Trucks Traffic and Product Safety Director Carl Johan Almqvist, the event welcomed government officials, key customers and members of the press.

It discussed how the zero-death rate can be achieved and highlighted the importance of seat belts as vehicle safety devices.

Mr Almqvist said drivers must also be made aware "that attentiveness is crucial for safe driving."

"Research shows that the human factor is involved in 90 per cent of all accidents," he added, noting motorists who text when behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to have an accident.

According to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, just 11 per cent of UAE nationals wear a seat belt, while 44 per cent of non-nationals make use of the safety equipment.

It also noted speeding and dangerous driving is one of the biggest road safety issues in the area.

Posted by Sarah Bailey