Dubai ramps up training for bus drivers

Authorities in Dubai are taking further measures to raise the traffic safety awareness of public bus drivers.

As many as 550 drivers have benefitted from a five-day training course organised by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police.

The sessions focused on defensive driving, emergency handling and updates on the latest traffic laws.

Nabeel Yousuf Al Ali, Director of Drivers Affairs at the RTA’s Public Transport Agency, praised the ongoing partnership with Dubai Police, noting their joint efforts have significantly improved road safety and reduced traffic accidents.

"The course aimed to reduce traffic accidents by increasing awareness of traffic safety, improving drivers’ knowledge of traffic rules and the importance of adhering to them, and developing driving skills by emphasising the importance of defensive driving and how to handle emergencies on the roads," he explained.

Brigadier Omar bin Hammad, Director of Al Raffa Police Station, stressed the importance of ongoing education for drivers to ensure safe road practices and enhance overall traffic safety.

"Additionally, it enhances traffic culture by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences and best practices, whether in driving buses, safely handling passenger boarding and alighting, dealing with sudden stops, handling various road conditions, or in mechanical aspects such as ensuring the safety of tyres, brakes and other elements," added Bin Hammad.

#RTA and Dubai Police recently organised an intensive five-day awareness training course for 550 bus drivers from RTA’s Public Transport Agency at RTA’s Bus Depot of Al Awir, as part of the ongoing collaboration between the two strategic partners, toward raising traffic safety in… pic.twitter.com/Pd3DcqYass

— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 19, 2024