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Road Safety Drive to Pay Tribute to School Official

The month-long safety campaign, to be launched by the Schools Transport Services (STS), follows the rising road deaths in the emirate.

Over 40, 000 Gems students along with students from other schools and colleges will be involved in a campaign that will see them making documentaries, short films, poster campaigns and even coming up with suggestions to improve road safety.

“We had planned this campaign earlier. The tragic death of Jonathan has only brought home the urgency of raising awareness among families and children. This campaign should have a profound impact since it was a Gems official who met with the accident,” said Col. Augustine, managing director of STS that operates the Bright Bus Company.

“We plan to launch the campaign when schools re-open in January after the short break. We want to raise awareness among students and their parents on the hazards of using cell phones while driving or even jaywalking. We want to stress the importance of driving within speed limits and using indicators while changing lanes,” he added.

“We hope the campaign will reach out to over 40, 000 families as students are extremely effective communicators, cautioning parents against using mobiles while driving. We want to change the attitude of people. We believe students can have a huge influence in this,” added Augustine.

Ibikunle, Director of Schools Development, was hit by a car while crossing the service lane outside the Gems’ head office early this month. He succumbed to his injuries on December 12. Police sources said that the German driver of the car has been referred to Public Prosecution.

“Our sympathies and prayers are with his family at this difficult time and we are providing support wherever we can. We are also in close contact with the authorities as they carry out their investigations into the accident,” said a Gems statement.

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