While travelling towards my house one evening recently, I was shocked to see a driver smoking in the car while driving, and throwing the cigarette on the road, totally unconcerned about the danger he was causing to other drivers.
Studies have shown that smoking while driving increases the probability of a crash. The authorities have also instituted a financial penalty of Dh500 and four black points for such careless drivers. Despite this, I was shocked to see drivers smoking at leisure and throwing cigarette butts out on the road. The cigarettes can ignite other flammable substances, which could be disastrous for other vehicles on the road and lead to a great calamity.
According to local news reports, the number of road accident deaths in the first eight months of this year is much higher than the total number of deaths in the previous year and such an alarming fact could also be attributed to the careless attitude of such drivers. Despite the number of campaigns held and punishments instituted, these drivers are adamant that they would not change. Such drivers need to be caught and punished in a way that they would never repeat this offense again.
As a concerned resident, I appeal to all drivers to drive safely without causing harm to yourself and others. Keep your belts buckled, phones at the side and cigarettes inside. After all, everybody aims to reach their destination safe and sound!
The reader is a grade 11 student of Our Own English High School based in Dubai.
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