UAE | Traffic and Transport

Speeding drivers in RAK take pictures to prove their 'records'

Young and reckless drivers here take part in a dangerous and murderous "game" to find the fastest racer, and then make video recordings as proof to win challenges with their friends.

  • By Nasouh Nazzal Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:11 June 6, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • One of the pictures taken of a speedometer in a car while its Emirati driver was speeding to set a record in a "game" to find the fastest driver in Ras Al Khaimah.
  • Image Credit: Supplied Picture

Ras Al Khaimah: Young and reckless drivers here take part in a dangerous and murderous "game" to find the fastest racer, and then make video recordings as proof to win challenges with their friends.

A police officer has condemned this behaviour as dangerous and irresponsible and warned that police will take action to ensure road safety for other users.

A group of youngsters told Gulf News they get together to share pictures of the fastest drivers and then "crown" a "king".

The "king" remains crowned until he is "dethroned" by someone who sets a new record, who needs to prove it with a picture.

The group of young drivers, many who do not have licences, said the "competition" is open for everyone. There is no chance for the competitors to cheat, as the pictures and videos are usually taken by someone who accompanies the driver.

These young drivers usually check the roads where they plan to race to make sure there are no radars or police patrols.

They said they take "all the necessary measures" prior to racing on public roads.

These drivers prefer brand new vehicles and those with speedometers marked up to high speeds, to give them the chance to come up with new records.

They added that Emiratis working in other emirates and travelling from Ras Al Khaimah to their work destinations are regular participants in the "competition", where pictures of speedometers circulate during weekends when they come home to Ras Al Khaimah to spend weekends with their families.

Commenting on the pictures and videos, a senior officer at the emirate's Traffic and Licencing Department said these young people are taking part in a dangerous game when they speed to show off, which is like committing suicide.

He added that radars have captured pictures of some people driving at more than 200km/h, which is extremely dangerous and deadly.

Some young drivers steal the keys of cars that belong to their relatives to take part in this illegal competition.

The officer said the number of cases of young drivers who drive without valid driving licenses have been on rise.

He emphasised that the emirate's authorities will take all the necessary measures to ensure the complete safety of drivers and the public.

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