Safe driving begins at home, experts say, urge parents to respect traffic laws
- Parents told to lead by example and cultivate safe driving habits among their children
- Parents’ driving habits shape children’s respect for traffic laws
Safe driving must be treated as a family responsibility and an essential part of children’s upbringing, with parents urged to set an example by respecting traffic laws and demonstrating responsible behavior on the road, family and social experts have said.
Former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and family counsellor Dr Maryam Al-Azmi said responsible driving goes beyond traffic skills, as it teaches children discipline, self-control, respect for the law and concern for the safety of others.
She stressed that parents who follow traffic rules help protect their families while instilling values that children carry into adulthood. Al-Azmi said parental supervision should begin before children enter a vehicle. Parents should explain the importance of road safety, wearing seat belts and protecting the lives of passengers and other road users.
Family relations consultant Nawal Al-Muhaini said parents must demonstrate safe behavior by fastening seat belts, ensuring children remain properly seated and preventing them from leaning or hanging out of vehicle windows.
She added that children’s awareness is also shaped by how parents manage their speed, reactions, anger and frustration while driving.
Hamoud Aqla Al-Anzi, a member of the American International Society for Cost Engineering Development, said respect for traffic laws begins at home. He urged parents to obey traffic signals, give way to other motorists, avoid using mobile phones while driving and refrain from cutting queues or blocking roads, regardless of time pressures.
Al-Anzi stressed that parents should never justify traffic violations or teach children that breaking rules is acceptable when someone is in a hurry. He said adults must also acknowledge and correct their mistakes rather than attempting to avoid responsibility.
The experts called for stronger cooperation between families and schools through joint traffic-awareness programs, regular discussions about road safety and clear household rules. They stressed that children are more likely to develop lasting respect for traffic laws when they see their parents consistently practicing safe driving.
