News Details

The Integrated Transport Centre Participates

 in GCC Traffic Week 2024

Under the theme of “Driving Without a phone” and within the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee for Traffic Safety

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi, is taking part in the events of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Traffic Week 2024, which is being held from March 3rd to March 9th, 2024, under the theme of "Driving Without a Phone". The ITC’s participation in the GCC Traffic Week reflects its commitment to raising awareness, promoting traffic culture among community members, and enhancing the safety and security of road users. The ITC’s participation falls within the jurisdiction of the Joint Committee for Traffic Safety, which is chaired by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and includes the Integrated Transport Center, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and the Abu Dhabi Health Department as its members.

The ITC’s participation included several events and activities, which includes setting up an interactive platform at the Arrivals Hall at Zayed International Airport to familiarize the arriving passengers with the GCC Traffic Week, that is taking place across the GCC countries. The interactive platform explains traffic laws, emphasizes the importance of adhering to road safety standards, and incorporates interactive surveys, videos, and awareness messages that reinforce the concept of safe driving. It also features a virtual driving experience aimed at consolidating the concept and message of GCC Traffic Week, which advocates against using phones while driving, and adhering to road safety standards. Additionally, commemorative gifts were distributed on this occasion.

The slogan of GCC Traffic Week was also displayed on “Darb” tariff boards at the entrances of the city of Abu Dhabi and on digital signs throughout the road network. Furthermore, messages to raise awareness and caution drivers against using their phones or any other distractions were also displayed.

As part of the activities of the GCC Traffic Week, the Technical Committee for Traffic Safety held a workshop to examine causes of accidents resulting from distractions on the road, primarily using phones. The workshop aimed to identify solutions and measures to limit these accidents and the serious injuries they result in. An interactive platform was set up in Al Ain city throughout the week at Al Ain Mall, featuring a driving experience without using a phone. Attendees were provided with headphones to encourage their use while driving, along with other valuable gifts.

For his part, His Excellency Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the ITC, emphasized the importance of the GCC Traffic Week in highlighting bad driving habits, particularly the use of phones and its negative impact on the driver's concentration, which could potentially lead to serious traffic accidents. His Excellency also presented a motivational speech to the ITC’s employees, urging them lead by example within their communities, through following safe driving practices and avoiding distractions on the road.

The GCC Traffic Week is held at a challenging time with an increasing need to secure an integrated and safe transportation system that meets safety standards for all road users, while addressing their specific needs to ensure their security and safety. This challenge arises as part of the extensive and rapid development witnessed in the country, and the ever-increasing number of population and tourists, as well as the growing number of vehicles on roads. The transportation sector is undergoing massive advancements along with the diversification of transport means, which includes smart and environment-friendly vehicles, that contribute to sustainable transport.

It is also worth mentioning that the GCC Traffic Week 2024 is sponsored by the Federal Traffic Council, under the theme of "Driving Without a Phone." These initiatives and activities contribute to enhancing traffic safety and realizing Abu Dhabi's vision to adopt a safe transport system, and decreasing traffic accidents and injuries by improving driving practices and reducing human errors.