Sharjah: In line with its strategic objectives to enhance road safety, Sharjah Police General Command (SPGC), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, is participating in the 2026 Gulf Traffic Week, held under the slogan "Cross Safely." This participation underscores the importance of raising traffic awareness among community members and instilling safe behaviours while crossing the road, thus contributing to saving lives and bolstering traffic safety efforts.

Safe crossing is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers

 Brigadier Khalid Al-Kay, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Directorate, emphasised that road safety begins with commitment and attentiveness, and that the road is a shared responsibility requiring awareness from both drivers and pedestrians. He explained that adhering to speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, and respecting the rights of other road users are all essential factors in reducing accidents and protecting lives. This year's slogan reflects a clear message: safe crossing is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers.

Al-Kay added that the Traffic and Patrols Directorate continues its field and monitoring efforts to promote traffic discipline, alongside supporting awareness programs aimed at correcting incorrect behaviours and establishing a culture of compliance with the law, as it guarantees everyone's safety.

Security media is a key partner

 For his part, Major Saud Abdulrahman Al-Shaiba, Head of the Awareness Section, affirmed that security media is a key partner in enhancing quality of life by transforming traffic messages into content that resonates with the public, reaching them in their everyday language through the channels they interact with. He explained that awareness campaigns no longer rely solely on traditional publishing but now depend on innovation, simplification, and the use of digital and field platforms to create a real impact on societal behaviour.

He also stated that a plan has been developed to implement a series of awareness programmes and activities throughout Gulf Traffic Week. These include field platforms for the public, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and an awareness platform at the Traffic and Licensing Services Center. These platforms will feature the display of traffic awareness materials, the distribution of educational brochures and gifts, the organisation of media meetings, and the dissemination of messages via social media. With the aim of delivering traffic safety messages to the widest possible segment of society and promoting adherence to road etiquette, particularly regarding pedestrian crossings and attentive driving, the Security Media Department emphasised its commitment to ensuring that awareness messages are continuous and impactful, contributing to building a preventative culture that makes traffic safety a daily practice, not just a temporary commitment during traffic events.

Raising awareness about pedestrian safety…an ongoing approach

 In the same vein, SPGC urged the public to use designated pedestrian crossings, obey traffic signals, ensure the road is clear before crossing, and avoid using mobile phones or headphones while crossing, as this can cause distraction and reduced awareness of road hazards. Drivers were also urged to reduce their speed near pedestrian crossings, schools, residential areas, and shopping centers, give pedestrians the right-of-way at designated crossings, and pay close attention to all road users. The Command stressed that respecting pedestrian rights and adhering to traffic rules reflect a responsible traffic culture that contributes to a safe environment for everyone.

SPGC emphasised that raising awareness about pedestrian safety is not limited to Gulf Traffic Week, but rather represents an ongoing approach to promoting traffic culture and instilling values of responsibility and commitment among all segments of society. It noted that prevention lies in conscious behavior and positive cooperation between drivers and pedestrians.

The Sharjah Police General Command concluded by urging all members of the community to engage positively with the messages of Gulf Traffic Week 2026 and to make traffic safety a daily practice, stressing that "Cross Safely" is not just a slogan, but a message to protect lives and enhance the quality of life on the roads.