UAE | Traffic and Transport

Bus drivers flirt with death in Dubai

Bus drivers ferrying labourers tell Gulf News that a culture of racing is widespread in Dubai, putting the lives of passengers at risk.

  • By Sunita Menon, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:02 October 5, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Caught in the act - driving at 100 km/h with one foot on the seat.
  • Image Credit: Ashraf Helmi/Gulf News
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Dubai: A monstrous looking bus packed with blue collar workers tailing-gating a tiny sedan is not rare on Dubai's roads.

Infamous for having no respect at all for traffic discipline, these bus drivers apply bullying tactics by aggressively flashing their headlights at small cars and four-wheel-drives who refuse to get out of their way. And if any of these buses is forced to manoeuvre into an adjacent lane by the defiant driver of a smaller vehicle, be ready to witness the bus driver rolling down his window and shouting obscenities.

Video: Racing labour bus drivers in Dubai

Scenes like these bring back memories of the ghastly road accident that took place three years ago on Shaikh Zayed Road on December 14, when a speeding bus rammed into a van and then overturned, killing nine workers and leaving more than 50 injured.

Unfortunately, no lessons have been learned and today bus drivers continue to be devils on the roads.

Keeping an eye on the speedometer and driving within the stipulated speed limit does not come easy for these would-be Michael Schumachers who throw caution to the wind.

Gulf News caught up with some bus drivers for whom their new-found notoriety is something that they are proud of.

After initial apprehension the drivers gave their side of the story only on condition of anonymity. Some of them blamed the lack of road planning, some complained about the traffic congestion, others raised objections to the speed limits and some challenged the attitude of fellow motorists.

They had no hesitation in admitting that they flaunt traffic rules, "but only out of desperation".

"What do you think I should be doing when I am in a hurry? If we drive below the speed limit the workers get irritated and ask us to drive fast," said one Pakistani bus driver who prides himself on being in complete control, even if he exceeds the speed limit of 100 km/h.

Asked whether he had ever raced on Dubai's roads the driver said: "Yes. Races are not planned. I engage in a race when a sewage tanker or pick-up van tries to overtake my vehicle on the road. Accidents happen when a driver does not have control of the speed."

He said he drives in the fast lane almost every day.

An Indian worker said that the drivers, if caught speeding, are quick to pass the blame to the workers.

"The drivers blame us for encouraging them to speed," he said. "On the contrary we keep requesting them to drive in the third lane. It is scary to see two buses packed with workers driving neck-and-neck, each trying to take the lead."

These bus drivers, who start their day as early as 2am, transport workers in batches to various construction sites.

"Traffic congestion starts after 6am and from then on it is impossible to reach anywhere on time," said another Indian bus driver.

"It is against the rules to talk on the telephone but we cannot ignore the calls made to us by our site supervisor or accommodation boss.

"If the workers are delayed in reaching their work site by even ten minutes, we get calls from the supervisors making enquiries.

"There is no choice, we are forced to take the call or else we are issued warnings. On the other hand police slap us with fines or black points when they catch us talking on the mobile phone when driving," he said.

Have you ever been intimidated by a speeding bus? Why do you think bus drivers get involved in such races? What can be done to raise awareness and improve their driving? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.


Your comments


I must admit, it was a good subject to write about. After all, these drivers are equal opporutnity death threats. Anyone who get in their way is in for a little more trouble than they anticipated when they left their homes. But I have to say it's among the worst articles I've read in a newspaper already brimming with sub par writing. Remember your target audience - forget the devil and Schumacher references.We aren't children.
Mark
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 15:46

I always thought Malaysian drivers are bad but when I working here, I realised that drivers in UAE are more worst. It leaves me a fear feeling everytime I going out. How can these kind of drivers get the driving license and others who drive politely can't get it? How can these kind of drivers can be lived in this rapid developed country? It leaves a very bad image to the world.
Kenny
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 15:28

If the comments from the bus drivers printed in this article are true, it is an outrage that these drivers are fully aware of their acts and yet choose to violate the rules. They should be shown pictures of those poor chinese workers that lost their lives in that terrible SZR accident 3 years ago and be shown pictures of all of those children and wives who are now without those they loved. This careless attitude to the safety of others must be stopped urgently.
Jeymer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 15:22

I feel the tail-gating SUV's are the biggest threat on the roads of Dubai. These drivers more often than not feel that since they can go faster than the speed limit have little or no consideration for other drivers on the road.
Fahmi Mohammed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 14:09

The problem mainly happens with mini-buses, passenger buses and pick-ups. I would suggest that RTA make it mandatory for these classes of vehicles to install speed-governors to limit the vehicle speed to 100kmph or less. This can limit speeding cases. Also these drivers must be regularly educated by means of awareness campaigns etc.
Subin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 13:19

Strict control on roads, traffic fines on drivers are one way. But drivers of both school and labour buses have to report on work on time, no matter what traffic is on the road. They get warnings from managers. Hence it is better to put the fine on the employeer as well. He will put things in control much better way.
Adnan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 13:13

I have seen many times with trucks and bus by driving with one leg. Drivers are not just driving a bus. But they are driving with 60 employees life. Keeping one legs on the seat and driving with one leg may cause death of not only driver also employees. Traffic Police should monitor those kinds of drivers and should be canceled their licence for ever.
Jahir
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:45

These bus drivers are going to get people killed. I go to work at 5.30am by the Eppco filling station. On the way to safa park two lanes going to Shaikh Zayed rRoad buses both lanes racing each other, tight bends terrible, something should be done.
Tony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:35

My daughter goes by the college bus from sharjah to academic city. Every day when she gets back she is terrified by the way the bus is driven. The bus driver is just interested to drop them in the college an hour before the college starts and does everything he should not be doing to get there.
Abdulla
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:33

I almost got smacked by a bus driver that decided to cut in front of two lanes of traffic to exit into a dirt construction area this morning, and he showed as much remorse for his dangerous action as a murder would. It is getting to the point where one has to say his final prayers everytime he gets into his vehicle.
Waleed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:32

I agree with PK (Dubai). Surely the only option is to increase the number of speed cameras to such ridiculous levels so that speeding becomes as expensive as a fancy friday brunch. surely this kind of financial motivation will stop the majority of would-be speed racers. I have had to flee Dubai as I was too fearful of the roads and the potential for fatal accidents.
Rick
Rangoon,Burma
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:22

Yeah, I agree with all above, however a designated lane for buses won't solve the problem, as for the other drivers there won't be any chance to take the right exit, as the buses will be there bumper by bumper. By increasing the fines, you can't change their driving habit, thats the point. And even if SZR would have 10 lanes in each direction, there are no changes.
Dirk
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 12:09

The simplest and easiest solution is to make the companies that operate the buses take resposibility for their actions.When a bus is in an accident, the company as well as the driver are fined, and not just AED 100-, but large fines. This will be an incentive to the companies to instruct and train their drivers to obey traffic law and the rule of the road.
Bastian
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 11:09

I cannot agree with the writer that a bus driver rolls down the window to abuse the smaller car driver. I have never experienced anything like that in dubai in the last 15 years. Rules are still pretty strict yet Labour Buses are allowed to travel on any Lane on Roads which should be reviewed and buses should be only allowed to travel in the 3rd lane or slow lanes with strict penalties for immediate cancellation of licences of drivers who flaut these rules.
Vinod
sharjah,United Arab Emirates
Posted: October 05, 2008, 11:02

Just one example out of many; I was once driving on Al Khail road when I noticed one of these killing machines trying to make a full turn on one of the roundabouts from the 3rd lane. I stopped my car right in the middle of the roundabout but the poor lady right in front of me didnt the bus smashed her like a bug and wanted to leave the scene until he saw me taking pictures of his bus. These drivers need to be reigned in, educated or deported as far.
Markus
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 10:03

During my 15 years of stay in Dubai and 7 years as a driver, I have noticed that Mini van drivers (10-20 passenger buses) are the most dangerous drivers on the road. In the last one year we have a new breed of drivers... who drive with their head lights ON all through the day. Don't think it's turned on by mistake. NO. They travel on the fast track, everyday, everytime and if you are a regular timer... you will see the same people do it everyday.
Stanley
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 09:26

It is not only the Buses but also the 14 seaters which have the habit of Races. Everyday morning when coming from Sharjah to Dubai. You can see these 14 seaters terrorising fellow motorists.The only way to end this is to install cameras every 100 metres.
P K
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 09:19

The RTA should make bus lanes just for buses. Not allow them mixing with other vehicles. Maybe then will they drive safely. Or the UAE should change it into a real good job with good pay so that educated people with right minds can take up the job. Drivers now are killers.
Anne
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 09:13

This attitude of bus drivers is the pure reflection of their hard life, low salaries, long working hours. Driving for such long hours in Dubai traffic, one should not be amazed for such reactions.
Kamran
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 09:08

Yes, I fully agree that bus drivers and also truck drivers are very dangerous drivers. They intimidate other drivers on the road, especially on highways. The RTA should look into this and decide how to handle it. Traffic is there for all. One other observation is that mini bus drivers are usually the worst offenders for not observing the 'keep in lane' rule when queueing in traffic. They always jump the queue showing no respect to other patient drivers.
Paris
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:58

It's not just bus drivers that should be highlighted, of course they are like huge dominating dinosaurs, what about the rest of the crowd who tail gate just because they dare to go above the speed limit and hence claim more right to the lane. And the pride and shameless with which they carry themselves,is just pitiful.
Kishor
dubai,uae
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:41

The majority of the buses used in the UAE are not suitable for speeds upto 100 km/hr and are ill-equipped safety-wise. These are high-axle Indian buses meant only for Indian roads and for slow speeds. A high centre of gravity at high speeds is asking for truoble.
Adil
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:36

While driving along Shaikh Zayed Road on a daily basis I witness innumerable drivers of large vehicles including mini vans and school buses behave much more irresponsibly than keeping a foot on their seat. I always carry a camera. How may I send these photographs to the Authorities for necessary legal action against these crazy drivers? Would such photographs prompt necessary police action?
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:23

All of above is correct. Generally, driving culture is extremely low in the Emirates, and that does apply to vast majority of the drivers. Not to repeat already commented so many times, I would like to propose how to improve public traffic at a present. As already done in some European cities, simply assign one line (yellow line) to the buses and taxies), with severe fines to those not belong to this category. I do believe it will help.
Slobodan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:12

A few months ago we had a lucky escape to collide with a bus driving over 100km/h in fast line of SZR since then I can admit that I am uncomfortable to drive in Dubai roads, because you expose yours and your family's life in danger. It's not only bus or mini bus drivers, some of taxi drivers and SUV drivers have no respects for rules.
Steve
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 08:01

Trust me if only lane rules are followed things will get better. These days no one seems to be bothered on stipulated lanes rules for them and blame others for mishaps.
Imran
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 07:37

It is a commentable stance taken by Gulf News. I hope the RTA takes necessary action against those culprits. Punish them and they will not do it for the next time.
Eapen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 07:35

It's impossible to control such cases of speeding and reckless driving. It's not only bus drivers who get involved in ats of reckless driving and races. I have been in a bus were the driver was having a fun time with his friend driver in the nearby bus, both tryin to overtake each other. It's that attitude that has to be changed. Imposing of fines or cacelling of licences is not going to make a huge difference. All its going to do is remove a few drivers from the streets, but new ones are going to replace them.
Jimmy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 06:39

Typical reaction from the drivers. Anything is the fault of others. A sense of self-reflection is not part of thought-processes in this region. There is nothing wrong with admitting. If you leave on time then you will not have to rush. By the way, traffic has always been a legitimate reason in Dubai for turning up late for appointments, so why be in a hurry in the first place? Fines do not seem to work, so what will the future be like?
Casper
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 06:29

They are not in the same class of Schumacher in any way, they are 200% reckless bone-heads on the road. Many of them know only driving on the center lane of the highway, use hazard lights stupidily. They drive like chicken with their head chopped off. RTA should have a designated lane for buses. RTA should enforce the speed limiter on buses and definitely on mini buses to prevent tragedies repeat itself.
Lee
Dubai,UAE
Posted: October 05, 2008, 05:38

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