Dubai Police's smart radars detect a motorist holding child on his lap while driving
- 14 Mar 2025
Dubai Police's radar systems recently identified a serious traffic violation involving a driver who allowed his child to sit on his lap while steering the vehicle on a public road. This dangerous action jeopardized the child's safety and posed significant risks to other road users.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, confirmed that technical devices recorded the incident. He noted that the driver had been summoned and the vehicle confiscated. He also stressed that federal traffic law prohibits children under the age of ten or shorter than 145 cm from sitting in the front seat due to the inherent dangers involved.
Al Mazrouei explained that allowing children to sit in the front seat poses significant risks of serious injuries or even death in the event of an accident. "The force of a collision can propel a child against the car's interior or even eject them from the vehicle," he added.
Al Mazrouei stated, "Furthermore, airbags deploy rapidly and with great force during crashes, which can result in severe injuries, particularly for younger children or those in unsafe positions. Additionally, front-seat seatbelts are designed for adults, making them unsuitable for children and increasing the likelihood of head, chest, or neck injuries.
He also highlighted that Dubai Police's technical detection devices have advanced features to monitor driver behavior, including the ability to capture video footage of dangerous violations that could lead to serious accidents.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that Dubai Police is committed to protecting the lives of road users, stressing that some drivers underestimate what they consider minor violations, which can lead to deadly accidents that put innocent lives at risk.
The Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police urged parents not to allow their children to sit in the front seat due to the serious dangers it poses to their safety and that of others on the road. He highlighted that driving is a significant responsibility that requires maturity and a strong sense of accountability.
Moreover, Al Mazrouei encouraged the community members to report dangerous behaviours via the "Police Eye" feature on the Dubai Police app or by calling the "We Are All Police" hotline at 901.