\u00a0<\/b>An online course that promotes safe driving and the use of seat belts is being added to college curriculums
\nHigher Colleges of Technology (HCT) institutes have included the e-course in their curriculums as part of the Stay Alert, Stay Alive campaign, supported by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai.<\/p>\n
More than 18,000 Emirati students can take the 30-minute course, which is comprised of seven modules including law, risks in everyday driving and ways to drive safely.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that by completing this course, HCT students will gain a better understanding of the importance of wearing a seat belt while driving, or as a passenger,\u201d said Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT.<\/p>\n
An assessment of the results of the e-course will be carried out every three months.<\/p>\n
\u201cTying the initiative to course work at HCT is a good idea to get the message out, but I think it should be mandatory for all young people,\u201d said Glenn Havinoviski, Middle East transport systems director at US traffic-management company Iteris.<\/p>\n
\u201cReal-life driving is not like a video game.\u201d<\/p>\n
The course was developed by BMW Group Middle East and is the third time in recent years the company has reached out to students to promote road safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are young drivers, therefore we are trying to instill good driving habits from an early driving age,\u201d said Leanne Blanckenberg, corporate communications manager for BMW.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can encourage one student to buckle up or save the life of one student, then this campaign has been effective for us.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut for actual change to happen, this needs time and reiteration of the importance of why one needs to buckle up and be a responsible driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not just changing driving habits. We\u2019re trying to change attitudes, which is a long-term responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n
Changing driving habits of the youth is \u201cextremely difficult and takes time\u201d, said Dino Kalivas, the director of training at Emirates Driving.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch indicates behaviour change requires human intervention supported by public campaigns over a continuous period of time,\u201d Mr Kalivas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreater impact on behaviour change needs to be implemented in primary and secondary schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce a person reaches adolescent years, the message and importance of wearing seat belts is too late and not established, hence a reflection of the low use rates of seat belts in the UAE.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Stay Alert, Stay Alive campaign was launched in 2010 focusing on educating the public about the importance of using car restraints, particularly for children.<\/p>\n
But Khaled Al Mansoori, director of business development at Emirates Driving in Abu Dhabi, questioned the effectiveness of online courses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSound teaching still involves human interaction and problem-based solutions,\u201d Mr Al Mansoori said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn theory, online courses can work. However, at best their basis is to provide an insight into core topics and themes.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00a0An online course that promotes safe driving and the use of seat belts is being added to college curriculums Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) institutes have included the e-course in their curriculums as part of the Stay Alert, Stay Alive campaign, supported by the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai. More than 18,000 Emirati students …<\/p>\n