We watched them squirm and we hate to admit it — but we enjoyed every bit of it.
Because, the Caltex RoadStar campaign is not about putting people in a spot but about rewarding people for driving well.
So, there we were, witnessing some of Abu Dhabi’s very first roadstars being born (after dealing with several very unwelcome physiological reactions like clammy hands, a dry throat, flushed face and whatever else that happens when the police knock at your door)
We watched how Captain Ahmed Al Niyadi from the Abu Dhabi Traffic Police picked on safe drivers.
Sitting in the front seat of the 4x4 we were travelling in, it was obvious when the Captain set his sights on a safe driver.
Abu Dhabi’s first
This was the first time that the Caltex Roadstar Campaign was being held in Abu Dhabi, having been held in Dubai for the past 11 years.
For two days, the Police Department patrolled the city streets rewarding safe drivers with on-the-spot cash prizes.
“He has been using his indicators at the right times and is staying within the speed limit. OK, let’s pull him over now,” said the Captain.
Curious to see the drivers’ expression, we hopped out of the car and he was surprised … to say the least.
“Do you know why I pulled you over? asked Captain Al Niyadi.
“Did I do something wrong? asked Shia Ghul.
That is when the Afghani national’s mind was put to rest having discovered he was Abu Dhabi’s very first winner and now a certified “Roadstar” receiving a Dh750 reward.
Spreading awareness
Although some say it’s unnecessary to reward people for something they should already be doing, organisers of the campaign think otherwise.
“This initiative is all about raising as much road safety awareness as possible,” said Roshanara Sait, director of marketing and business development for Emirates Motor Sports Federation.
The UAE roads are filled with drivers who have come from different backgrounds and as a result bring varied driving techniques, and so the campaign aims to assist drivers in adapting to the road methods here.
The criteria
When I asked the Captain to define the exact criteria for a safe driver, he turned and said they have to at least have the basic skills in order for him to notice them.
“First of all, they have to be driving within the speed limit, use their indicators when changing lanes and making turns, wear a seatbelt and not talk on a mobile phone,” he said.
“Unfortunately, not everybody follows those simple rules.”
He was right. Some drivers he spotted would be driving carefully but on taking a closer look, the Captain would find they were breaking other rules like not wearing seatbelts.
Police paranoia
When we stopped Bacel El Khoury just as he parked in front of the Hiltonia, he was shocked to see Captain Al Niyadi at his window.
He gave his licence and registration while all the time wondering why he was suddenly surrounded by photographers.
His friend Omar Khalil, who was visiting from London, said they were full of the usual paranoia when stopped by police! But, he was confident Bacel did nothing wrong as he trusted his driving.
With broad smiles, they went inside with a pocket full of money to spend on drinks.
That morning, we stop encountered 12 strangers and left them beaming from ear to ear.
We can bet Dh750 on the fact that their families and friends are not going to hear the last of that Thursday afternoon for a long, long time.
And that, is the first step to raising awareness.
Shia Gul, 51, from Afghanistan
Driving an Audi
Driving credentials: Has been driving since 1981 and has not had a single speeding ticket or fine slapped on him.
What we loved: The fact that he was worried when he was asked by the police t pull over but never showed it. The smile, tremulous in the beginning, stayed intact all through the impromptu ceremony on Abu Dhabi’s roads.
Where the money goes: To his family back home.
Hussain Al Ghafli, Emirati
Driving a Porsche
Driving credentials: He’s been driving for the last 14 years.
What we loved: Hussain’s absolutely unassuming ways — he didn’t even want his picture taken. And he was driving a swanky Porsche.
Where the money goes: To charity.
Joelle El Kurdi, French
Driving a Mercedes
Driving credentials: She’s been driving for the last 23 years without a mishap.
What we loved: The fact that Joelle wanted to share the money with us. She offered it first to a policeman. And then to the journalists milling around.
Where the money goes: C’mon … what are you supposed to do when people all around you refuse to take your money?
Abdul Majeed from Kerala, India
Driving a laundry van
Driving credentials: He’s been driving in the UAE for the last 9 years.
What we loved: The fact that Majeed’s knowledge of English and Arabic were limited. But how, in situations such as these, no words are needed: Majeed’s broad smile said it all.
Where the money goes: To his family back home.
Imran Ali, from Pakistan
Driving a pick-up truck
Driving credentials: Has been driving in Abu Dhabi for the last 17 years. And safely.
What we loved: The way Ali’s face was wreathed in smiles when he realised he was a star of the road. Before that, “I was scared that I had done something wrong,” he said.
Where the money goes: To his family in Pakistan.
Kallum Yahutty from Kerala, India
Driving a school bus
Driving credentials: Driving a school bus in the UAE since 1994.
What we loved: Yahutty’s sense of duty. He was thrilled to be rewarded for his driving skills and so wanted to stay on and talk to reporters but the fact that the children were waiting in the bus on a hot afternoon had him bounding back to the bus.
Where the money goes: Back home.
Leslie Ann Zaher from England
Driving a Ford
Driving credentials: She’s been driving in the city for the last three years and has not had any trouble with the police over her driving skills.
What we loved: Leslie’s initial reaction – I’m shocked. I’m surprised. And best of all: “I’m going to hide the money from my husband though he’ll be proud to know that I’m a safe driver.”
Where the money goes: Will be shared with her husband (women!).
Dawn Lavis, 41, from the UK
Driving a BMW 4X4
Driving credentials: Has been driving for the last two years in Abu Dhabi and has had no accidents in the city.
What we loved: The fact that the police caught up with Dawn as she was pulling into the parking space at Marina Mall, all set to shop for her son’s birthday party.
Where the money goes: Into making the party grander, of course.
Bacel El Khoury from Lebanon
What we loved: The exchange between the police and Bacel as the law caught up with him outside Hiltonia Health Club and Spa. So, what will you do with the money, asked Captain. Go for a drink, was Bacel’s prompt answer. No drinking and driving, said Captain. No, no, just a mocktail, Bacel assured us.
Where the money goes: Some of it went in search of that mocktail.
Alistair Scott, 60, from Scotland
What we loved: Scott’s first words: This seems like a scene straight out of Candid Camera… It’s not the gift that matters but driving safely that does.”
Where the money goes: He’s buying new brakes!
Debbie Hewitt, UK
Driving credentials: Has been driving for 23 years.
What we loved: The fact that she’s been in the UAE for only six weeks and has been rewarded despite the fact that she’s still trying to cross over from the right-hand drive mindset of the UK to the left-hand drive culture of the UAE.
Where the money goes: Towards a bit of retail therapy.
