If you've ever racked up a few black points on your UAE driving licence, here's some good news: you can clear four of them in just one day - and all you have to do is drive well.
On Monday, August 25, the UAE is running its annual Accident-Free Day campaign. The idea's simple: as more than a million kids head back to school, drivers across the country pledge to keep things calm, careful, and collision-free. Do that, and by September 15, four black points vanish from your record.
Why Road Safety Matters More Than Ever
The first day back after summer is chaos on the roads. School runs, buses, distracted parents, and a lot of extra traffic create a perfect storm for accidents. Statistics show that back-to-school periods see a significant spike in road incidents, particularly involving children who may be unfamiliar with traffic patterns after the long break.
This is exactly why the Federal Traffic Council wants everyone extra switched on. It's not just about clearing your record - it's about creating a culture of safety that protects the most vulnerable road users: our children.
The Safety Essentials
The basics haven't changed, but they're worth repeating because they save lives:
- Buckle up – Every passenger, every trip, no exceptions
- Stick to speed limits – Especially in school zones where limits drop to 40km/h
- Keep a decent gap – The three-second rule gives you time to react
- Put your phone down – Hands-free only, and even then, minimise distractions
- Check blind spots – Children can appear suddenly from between parked cars
- Be patient – School zones mean slower traffic and frequent stops
Beyond the Individual: Community Impact
When thousands of drivers commit to safer practices simultaneously, the ripple effect is remarkable. Reduced aggressive driving leads to less road rage, fewer sudden lane changes, and an overall calmer traffic environment. Parents dropping off children feel safer, school bus drivers can focus on their young passengers, and emergency services see fewer call-outs.
The campaign has proven remarkably successful. Last year, accident rates dropped by over 20% during the pledge period, demonstrating that collective commitment to road safety works.
How to Join the Movement
To participate, head to the Ministry of Interior's website, log in with your Emirates ID details, and sign the pledge. The process takes less than five minutes, but the impact lasts all month. Last year, more than 300,000 drivers participated, making it one of the region's largest road safety initiatives.
The Bigger Picture
As Brig Engineer Hussein Al Harthi puts it, "The priority is to ensure the safety of pupils." But this campaign represents something larger – a recognition that road safety is a shared responsibility. Every careful lane change, every patient moment at a school crossing, every phone left untouched contributes to a safer environment for everyone.
The four black points you'll save are just the bonus. The real reward is knowing you've contributed to making UAE roads safer for the next generation. So mark your calendar, commit to defensive driving, and maybe even enjoy that rare feeling of navigating morning traffic without the usual stress.
After all, when everyone drives better, everyone wins.
