Michael schumacher supports Regional Road Safety Drive

31 October 2009: Road traffic accidents are an issue of growing concern for government, business and civil society in The Middle East region.  In 2008 the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Shell and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) launched a regional road safety initiative, the Middle East and North Africa Road Safety Partnership (MENARSP), to help share knowledge and good practice throughout the region. 
One project supported by MENARSP is the translation into Arabic of two good practice manuals, ‘seat belts and child restraints’ and ‘speed management’, which were developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Bank, the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society and the GRSP.
The manuals are aimed at governments, nongovernmental organizations and road safety practitioners.  Written in an accessible manner, they provide practical steps – based on existing good practice and experience - on how to tackle key risk factors and implement effective road safety programmes.
Michael Schumacher formally presented the new Arabic manuals to government officials from Dubai Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia.  The World Bank funded translation, while 250 copies of each manual have been printed for distribution to governments and practitioners throughout the region, funded by Shell.
Speaking at the launch, Michael Schumacher said ‘There are too many people dying and being injured on our roads.  We can all take simple steps that help to keep us safe.  For example, I urge all car drivers and passengers to always wear your seat- belt. There is simply no excuse not to – your lives may depend on it.’         
Raoul Restucci, Executive Vice President for Shell in the Middle East and North Africa said ‘Shell believes that by working in partnership the business sector can support road safety improvement programmes in the region.  These manuals are a great example of how many years of global best good practice and experience can be used to great effect in helping others to deliver similar programmes.’ 
MENARSP representative, Samar Abouraad, noted ‘there are many partners that contributed to the success of this project.  However, I’d like to mention Digital World, The Print House in Dubai, who kindly printed 50 extra copies of each manual as their own contribution to road safety in the region.  This really shows that any company – large or small – can make a real difference if we work together with one common goal’. 
MENARSP encourages governments, businesses and civil society groups from around the region to join forces and tackle road safety.  More information can be found on their new partnership website at: www.menarsp.com.