As schools are set to reopen on Monday, traffic congestion is expected to return to school districts and surrounding roads. The main reason behind this bottleneck, according to transportation experts and motorists, is parents stopping in front of schools when dropping off or picking up their kids. Even a one-minute stop can lead to a long line of vehicles occupying multiple lanes, causing traffic chaos. This practice is not only unsafe but also a traffic violation, with fines reaching up to Dh1,000 and six black points on the driver’s license.
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, a traffic safety researcher, emphasized the importance of parents practicing discipline on the road. He recommended dropping off kids early to avoid the rush and parking in designated areas to walk the children a short distance to school. Another solution is to implement staggered school entry times to prevent all students from arriving and leaving at the same time. Schools like Bloom World Academy in Al Barsha South have already adopted this approach with a 9 am start time to reduce traffic congestion.
Tracy Crowder-Chloe, principal of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, shared their back-to-school traffic management strategy, including dedicated parking areas and crossing points. The school’s senior leadership team is stationed at every gate and drop-off point to assist parents, and a staggered approach during the first two weeks of school helps students transition smoothly into the classroom. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, suggested promoting school bus services and carpooling among parents to reduce the number of cars on the road during peak hours.
Edelmann stressed the importance of time management for parents, advising them to arrive early to avoid rush and stress, consider carpooling, or use the school bus. He also highlighted the need for parents to set a good example for their children by practicing safe and considerate behavior around schools. Educating children about road safety and proper conduct near schools is crucial, including not stopping cars in front of schools. Overall, the key to reducing traffic congestion around schools lies in implementing disciplined and considerate practices among parents and students.
