Volkswagen Middle East partnered with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Smart Dubai this month to launch an innovative road safety campaign, “The Human Crossing”, to make pedestrian crossings safer for UAE residents.
According to Abu Dhabi Police, 20% of all traffic accidents in the UAE involve a pedestrian. To highlight this issue, Volkswagen implemented a structure, arched over a pedestrian crossing outside of Gems Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis, which highlights the name of individual students crossing beneath it – giving a face to each pedestrian and reminding motorists that the individual crossing could be their family, friend or neighbour.
Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East, said: “Road safety is an important issue for the UAE and broader region. In our commitment to road safety beyond the chassis of a car, we have launched a campaign working with our most vulnerable citizens to drive home an impactful message.
Thomas Milz continued: “The goal is to make our roads more human. Human roads are safer roads, because they’re full of compassion and care. At Volkswagen, we do everything to engineer safer cars – from brakes and air bags, to vehicle structural integrity – but we cannot engineer our surroundings. We can however, offer innovative ideas and initiatives that can create a positive discussion for change”.
“Volkswagen is about more than just cars. For us, people always come first. It’s in our DNA and in our name”, concluded Milz.
Dr Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, said: “Safety is a cornerstone of our smart city strategy. Our children are our treasures, and we are committed to using the latest technology innovations to ensure their continued safety, to be able to grow and thrive in the city of the future. Dubai Silicon Oasis and Volkswagen share our commitment and we are proud to support the Human Crossing project. Partnerships such as these benefit the whole city, and contribute to Smart Dubai’s citywide vision for people’s happiness.”
Engineer Muammar Al Katheeri, Executive VP of Engineering Management and Smart City at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “Dubai Silicon Oasis is proud to be one of the most active entities that support the leadership vision of transforming Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world. Partnering with Volkswagen and Smart Dubai to introduce the Human Crossing Project touches a very important aspect in the smart city ecosystem that not only ensures the safety of pedestrians but also adds a human component through this new pilot project.”
“As a proof of concept for smart city initiatives and as a strategic partner of Smart Dubai, we will host this pilot program for 1 week at the Gems Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis to influence a safer environment for the younger generations to come.”