Yoga for Dubai drivers to prevent fatal accidents

Dubai, May 20 (UNI) Yoga and meditation are being prescribed to curb the rise in road crashes here as one accident takes place every three minutes with a fatality average of one every two days.

Alarmed by the fatalities - since the beginning of 2006, 89 people have died so far in road accidents - drivers are being offered breathing and relaxation exercises.

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV), a Dubai-based voluntary organisation, has trained more than 500 drivers and plans to help 6,000 motorists by the end of the year with anti-stress techniques.

An IAHV spokesman said as most accidents happen due to stress and carelessness, drivers can keep their mind under control through yoga and meditation.

The main technique being used is a breathing exercise called Bhastrika, meaning 'instant energy' for restoring calm and meditation to remove negative thoughts.

The programme is backed by the Dubai Police, the Road Transport Authority and Dubai Municipality.

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