Safe driving starts at home as experts urge parents to set the right example
The Times Kuwait Report
Respect for traffic laws must begin at home, with parents playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of responsible road users, family and social experts have stressed, calling on motorists to lead by example and make road safety an integral part of their children’s upbringing.
The experts warned that children learn far more from observing their parents’ behaviour than from simply being told to follow traffic rules. They said everyday driving habits, from wearing seat belts and obeying traffic signals to managing anger and avoiding mobile phone use behind the wheel, can influence how young people behave when they eventually become drivers themselves.
Dr Maryam Al-Azmi, former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and a family counsellor, said responsible driving extends beyond technical skills, teaching children discipline, self-control, respect for the law and consideration for the safety of others.
She stressed that parents must begin educating children about road safety before they even enter a vehicle, explaining the importance of seat belts, proper seating and protecting the lives of passengers and other road users. Family relations consultant Nawal Al-Muhaini said parents must demonstrate these principles through their own actions, ensuring children remain properly seated and preventing them from leaning or hanging out of vehicle windows.
She added that children also observe how adults manage their speed, emotions and frustration while driving, making responsible behaviour behind the wheel an important part of family education.Hamoud Aqla Al-Anzi, a member of the American International Society for Cost Engineering Development, said respect for traffic regulations must be demonstrated consistently, regardless of time pressures or personal circumstances.
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.
Al-Anzi cautioned against justifying traffic violations by claiming to be in a hurry, stressing that parents must also acknowledge their mistakes and take responsibility rather than attempting to evade the consequences. The experts called for stronger cooperation between families and schools through joint traffic-awareness programmes, regular discussions about road safety and clear household rules.
They said that when children see their parents consistently respecting traffic laws, they are more likely to develop lasting habits of responsible driving, helping build a safer road environment for the wider community.
The message is clear: safer roads begin not only with traffic regulations and enforcement, but also with the everyday choices made by parents and the example they set for their children.
