Sheikha Al Naqbi, Staff Reporter
Through the Security and Safety programme, Major Khaled Obaid Al Dhaheri from Abu Dhabi Police’s Traffic and Patrols Directorate identified the most common traffic violations committed near schools.
Failure to come to a complete stop when seeing the bus stop sign is considered one of the most serious violations and may cause fatal accidents, he said, adding that this violation incurs a fine of Dhs1,000 and 10 black points.
Jaywalking is another violation, and parents and students are required not to cross randomly as this may cause traffic accidents, he said, adding that this violation incurs a fine of Dhs400.
Al Dhaheri urged parents to abide by the speed limits near schools to avoid traffic accidents and not to be distracted from the road in any way, such as using a mobile phone, this being a third most common cause of traffic accidents.
He also urged them to come to a complete stop when they see the bus stop arm in both directions, whether in front of the bus or behind it, at a distance of no less than 5 meters.
He pointed out that Abu Dhabi Police completed their preparations for the 2025-2026 academic year with an integrated plan in co-operation with strategic partners to ensure safe return of students to their schools and achieve the highest levels of traffic safety.
It is among the strategic priorities of Abu Dhabi Police to enhance security and safety to provide the highest standards of traffic safety for students on their way to and from school, he said.
“We have enhanced traffic awareness and culture by holding workshops for public bus operators, students and parents, this being one of Abu Dhabi Police’s strategic goals,” he added.
He explained that in order to focus on enhancing security presence on the ground, Abu Dhabi Police relied on early deployment of patrols in key areas and other areas expected to witness heavy traffic with a view to maintaining smooth traffic flow and facilitating vehicle passage.
Police and motorcycle patrols were also deployed near schools to regulate traffic, facilitate student disembarkation from buses and ensure vehicles are parked in designated areas, as improper parking can lead to traffic jams and accidents, he said.