RTA educates little ones at MFC
Puppet shows, workshops and educational material keep visitors to the RTA stand occupied
The large stand set up by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) at the far end of the West exhibition hall at Modhesh Fun City is always rushed up. It offers a unique opportunity for young ones and adults to educate themselves on both road safety and rules. Information brochures outlining the newly constructed roads and recently established traffic fines are also being distributed here for free.
Zubair Abdul Razaq Al Siddiqui, the supervisor of the RTA zone said, “We have a number of activities packed here – there is art workshops for smaller children and the older ones can do crafts. There is a miniature street in which children get to drive battery operated cars using the road rules. There is a traffic signal, zebra crossing and various bends and curves on the lane to let the little ones get the real feel of the place.
We begin by teaching them the rules and then put them behind the driver’s seat so that they can be safe drivers.”
He pointed out, “We have also set up two experiments that the guests can volunteer to try. These are impact related techniques which show the importance of seat belt usage on the drive. In the first experiment, the whole car is overturned with the volunteers inside. This gives them a better understanding of how it feels in an over turned vehicle and how the seat belt saves you from being crushed to death. The next experiment is again related to impact on collision wherein the seat is whizzed down a slide and the passenger is allowed to understand the momentum of a sudden brake and how the seat belt cushions you from banging into the wind shield.”
“We wish to educate the young ones because they are the drivers of tomorrow and sometimes they help keep a check on their parents when they are together in the drive. Sometimes, parents over speed or switch lanes without using the indicators, children notice this and assume this is right so we need to set the right example. Plus, it isn’t just the children who are fascinated by the zone even adults from different walks of life are lining up to know where they stand in terms of black points!” he concluded.
The stand is not only offering UAE road maps but also details of road services across the Arab countries. They are also distributing copies of their in-house magazine – Al Salamah. Brochures in Arabic, English, Malayalam and Urdu are being supplied to all at the stand.
Housed at the Airport Expo in Dubai, Modhesh Fun City is open to all from 10.00am to 10.00pm, Saturday to Wednesday. On Thursdays and Fridays, the venue remains open until 12.00am. It opens at 3.00pm on Fridays. Entry fee is AED 20 per person. It is organized as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2008, the region’s biggest summer event that will continue until August 22 with 65 days of summer festivities and a refreshing change in entertainment symbolized by a combination of the region’s best in shopping, winning, and family entertainment.
For further details log on to www.mydsf.com, or call Ahlan Dubai +971 600 54 5555.
