Here’s why police officers are stopping few cars on UAE roads daily

The Happiness Patrol embodies the belief that positive reinforcement can have an important role to play in encouraging safe behaviour.

When a cop stops a car, it usually means the driver is in trouble. But not in Abu Dhabi. Now, the patrols have been pulling over '10 to 15' motorists a day just to reward them for safe driving.
The Abu Dhabi Police's (ADP) Happiness Patrol has been watching the roads closely since October 2016, giving away vouchers and appreciation certificates, instead of slapping them with black points and fines.
"The Happiness Patrol embodies our belief that positive reinforcement can have an important role to play in encouraging safe behaviour," an ADP official told Khaleej Times.
When famous Emirati blogger Khalid Al Ameri featured the Happiness Patrol on his social media pages in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Police, the video garnered  around 2.5 million views in just five days and more than 4,000 comments from viewers around the world, praising such a "heartwarming" programme and wishing they had it in their countries.
"I think this is a great idea. I wish our big cities would adopt this concept here in the UAE. It may just help to bring the tension between the police and communities down," said Shannon Still.
"Wonderful concept, makes me want to come and live in Abu Dhabi," Salea Amin said. "Amazing idea. I wish we had this in Scotland," wrote Pauline Clark, while one named Ingrid Keeley said they "need (it) in USA".
Pleasant surprise
Drivers who have encountered the happiness patrol were all surprised when the police asked them to stop the car - all the more when they were handed their rewards.
"At first I was wondering what could I have done wrong, because I wasn't speeding and I was wearing my seatbelt," said Sandra T, an American national who was pulled over by the patrol last month.
"The officer then told me that I was pulled over for driving safely. I have never heard of such a thing, it really caught me by surprise and made my day," she said.
Deepak S, an Indian national, said he thought he would be getting a fine.
"Whenever you hear sirens behind you, you immediately think that you did something wrong," Deepak said. 
"But I was so happy to hear the police officer tell me that I am setting a good example of a safe driving and was even given an appreciation certificate,"the Indian resident told Khaleej Times.
The police official told Khaleej Times: "It gives us great satisfaction to ... (reward) them for exhibiting safe driving behaviour, and we enjoy the opportunity to bring a little more happiness to someone's day."
The official pointed out that road users should not only be reprimanded for breaking the rules, they should also be rewarded for following them.
He said the Happiness Patrol will continue to work every day to encourage positive behaviour among the motorist community.
"The excellent reaction we have had to the initiative reinforces our belief that we must continue to seek innovative ways to positively promote community safety, encourage engagement, and celebrate Abu Dhabi's unique community spirit," the official added.
What makes you a good driver
>Keeping distance between vehicles
>Using signals when switching lanes and turning
>Wearing a seat belt
>Driving within the speed limit
Rewards for driving safely
>Happiness vouchers
>Appreciation certificates
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi