emirates7 - In many neighbourhoods, residents have reported children riding recklessly in the middle of the street, without any adult supervision
As the weather gets cooler and with schools out, many children see this as the perfect time to get their electric scooters and bicycles from out of the storeroom and on to the roads. However, authorities and road safety experts say parents must be mindful and take the necessary safety precautions before letting children venture out onto the road.
Road safety expert Mustafa Aldah highlighted parents’ duty over their children’s safety. He said that while it’s understandable that children may want to spend their time doing outdoor activities, such as riding their bikes or scooters on the roads, parents should also determine if their kids are responsible enough to ride on their own.
“Parents know their children very well, and I think they know the level of maturity of their child and they should know whether to let them out on a scooter like this or not,” he said. “If they do let them out, I hope that the parents themselves have the maturity to make sure their kids are well equipped with all safety requirements.”
He mentioned that there are certain safety precautions that children must take before taking to the streets with their scooters or bicycles.
“These are all very important for safety before handing any person a motorised vehicle,” Aldah said.
“Sadly, we have seen a few crashes in Dubai and Sharjah where young people have lost their lives on these devices. So, I think many parents still do not realise how dangerous they are,” he remarked, adding that they should be more aware so children can have fun in a responsible way.
No adult supervision
In many neighbourhoods, residents have reported children riding recklessly in the middle of the street, without any adult supervision. Mariam A., a Sharjah resident, said she witnessed a group of 8 and 9-year-olds riding just around a corner where she could have almost missed seeing them. “If I was not (driving) on low speed, I could have collided with one of the children,” she said.
“There is no harm in children enjoying the weather and their vacation, but parents must be with them and ensure they play in designated areas, so that this does not turn into a tragedy,” she added.
Earlier this month, a 10-year-old boy died in an e-scooter accident in Umm Al Quwain. Khaleej Times reported in June that teenagers and young children have been recklessly riding e-bikes and scooters in busy public roads.
In many parts of the Emirates, police authorities have cautioned against the use of these vehicles on public roads, and in some cases, have taken the parents to court. In Dubai, the Public Prosecution referred the parents of a 13-year-old girl for negligence after she got injured while crossing the road on her e-scooter.
As the weather gets cooler and with schools out, many children see this as the perfect time to get their electric scooters and bicycles from out of the storeroom and on to the roads. However, authorities and road safety experts say parents must be mindful and take the necessary safety precautions before letting children venture out onto the road.
Road safety expert Mustafa Aldah highlighted parents’ duty over their children’s safety. He said that while it’s understandable that children may want to spend their time doing outdoor activities, such as riding their bikes or scooters on the roads, parents should also determine if their kids are responsible enough to ride on their own.
“Parents know their children very well, and I think they know the level of maturity of their child and they should know whether to let them out on a scooter like this or not,” he said. “If they do let them out, I hope that the parents themselves have the maturity to make sure their kids are well equipped with all safety requirements.”
He mentioned that there are certain safety precautions that children must take before taking to the streets with their scooters or bicycles.
“These are all very important for safety before handing any person a motorised vehicle,” Aldah said.
“Sadly, we have seen a few crashes in Dubai and Sharjah where young people have lost their lives on these devices. So, I think many parents still do not realise how dangerous they are,” he remarked, adding that they should be more aware so children can have fun in a responsible way.
No adult supervision
In many neighbourhoods, residents have reported children riding recklessly in the middle of the street, without any adult supervision. Mariam A., a Sharjah resident, said she witnessed a group of 8 and 9-year-olds riding just around a corner where she could have almost missed seeing them. “If I was not (driving) on low speed, I could have collided with one of the children,” she said.
“There is no harm in children enjoying the weather and their vacation, but parents must be with them and ensure they play in designated areas, so that this does not turn into a tragedy,” she added.
Earlier this month, a 10-year-old boy died in an e-scooter accident in Umm Al Quwain. Khaleej Times reported in June that teenagers and young children have been recklessly riding e-bikes and scooters in busy public roads.
In many parts of the Emirates, police authorities have cautioned against the use of these vehicles on public roads, and in some cases, have taken the parents to court. In Dubai, the Public Prosecution referred the parents of a 13-year-old girl for negligence after she got injured while crossing the road on her e-scooter.