15 hours ago
Dubai: 5-year-old falls from moving car; police urge parents to follow traffic laws
A five-year-old child was injured after falling out of a moving vehicle in Dubai, prompting authorities to renew warnings about the critical importance of child safety measures while driving. The child sustained moderate bruises and was quickly transported to the hospital after emergency services arrived at the scene.
According to Dubai Police, the incident occurred when the child, who was seated in the back with his mother, suddenly opened the car door and fell onto the road. The vehicle was reportedly moving at a relatively low speed, which helped minimise the severity of the injuries.
In the light of the incident, Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police, reiterated the need for strict compliance with child safety regulations inside vehicles.
'Neglecting basic safety procedures puts young lives at risk,' he said, urging parents and drivers to always use child safety seats, fasten seat belts, and ensure children are seated in the back, not the front. 'Doors must be securely locked before driving, and child lock mechanisms should be activated on rear doors,' he added.
He also warned against leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during the summer months, citing risks such as suffocation and heatstroke.
Last year, a 7-year-old boy died in Sharjah after being forgotten inside a vehicle for several hours. The child, of Asian nationality, had been left inside a car parked outside his school since morning by an unlicensed female driver hired by his parents. By the time he was discovered, it was too late.
Police stressed the importance of closely monitoring children while driving, especially ensuring they do not open windows or stick their hands or heads out of the car.
Dubai Police said it continues to work with partners to raise awareness about traffic safety, particularly regarding children's safety. The General Traffic Department is reportedly ramping up campaigns as summer temperatures rise and travel increases.
According to UAE traffic laws, all passengers are required to wear seatbelts, and specific regulations apply to children. Children under the age of four must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat, while those under 10 years old are not permitted to ride in the front seat and must be seated in the back.
Failure to comply with these child safety requirements, or for any occupant not wearing a seat belt, results in a fine of Dh400 and four black points on the driver's licence. These rules apply to both drivers and passengers, with authorities emphasising that adherence is critical to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
