Every week, Gulf News readers are given a platform on our Facebook page to share their views on a topic of debate. This week, they debated the reasons why motorists tend to drive recklessly in the UAE. Aspects such as fatigue, bad time management, ignorance of rules and inadequate training were raised. We received an overwhelming response from our readers, who believe this remains a significant issue in the UAE. Here, we present a selection of their views.
Different perspective
I suggest implementing fines in a different way. People could be fined according to the number of and nature of offences. Radar fines should start at Dh100 for the first time, Dh200 for the second, Dh400 for the third, Dh600 and so on. At least repeat offenders would realise that they have to be more careful because of their previous offences, and first-time offenders would not be penalised in the same manner. The record should be cleared after a certain time frame. There is too much stress over avoiding radar fines that are extremely costly. I have seen accidents happen because of people braking abruptly when they see a radar. Increasing fines, Salik gates and radars are making things worse and are not solving the problem.
From Mr Jasser Ali
Dubai
Driving culture
There are cultural reasons for reckless driving in the UAE. Europeans have been driving for over a 100 years (German inventor Karl Benz built the first automobile in 1886), while most of the world followed 50 or more years later. As a European, I feel driving is part of our DNA. In Germany, we don’t have speed limits on autobahns and have a lot more traffic, yet we have very few speed-related accidents. A big part of this is also education — respect for rules and regulations. I think it’s horrendous to watch people driving over a 110km/hr in the fast lane and then defending their actions. It’s also wrong to drive in the fast lane while other lanes aren’t busy and then use the excuse that you are already above the speed limit. If I want to go faster, how am I supposed to overtake? In Germany, it is illegal to drive in the left-most or fast lane, unless you are overtaking someone. Once you finish overtaking, you have to go back to one of the other lanes. This is one of the biggest problems I find in Dubai, and is the cause of many accidents.
From Mr Marko Laci Rafaj
Dubai
Self-entitled
Many accidents are because of aggressive driving. Often, drivers move from one crowded lane to another, acting like they are above the law.
From Ms Gayle M. M. Smith
Dubai
Sad truth
It’s not about being ignorant of rules, poor education or carelessness. The root cause is something I feel no one really notices — has anyone thought about the working hours of motorists? When do they finish their job the night before and at what time do they begin work and start driving? Some companies are paying drivers overtime and the motorists often live in residences that are quite a distance away from their work sites, for financial reasons. The drivers possible do not get enough sleep.
From Mr Indervir Singh
UAE
Be understanding
We need to understand that traffic codes and laws are put in place by the authorities for the general welfare of the population. They are there to protect people’s lives and property and to prevent accidents. It is obligatory to comply with such laws that seek to safeguard human life and welfare. Obeying laws saves lives, which is one of the essential objectives for all of us. When people do not take traffic laws seriously, they engage in reckless driving. Arrogance comes into play when they think they are above the law. I recommend treating other drivers as if they are your real neighbours. Helping, smiling and showing courtesy to them will benefit not only you but others as well.
From Ms S. M. Suhail
Dubai
Many reasons
I personally feel that there are so many reasons. One of the important ones would be gadget interference — there are many drivers who are glued to their phones and they pick up tiny opportunities between traffic signals to check their phone. They are so engrossed by it, they can’t let go. Also, many drivers seem to be unaware of the rules of the road. Lastly, drinking and driving. I think this plays a hefty role. Not only is it the reason for reckless driving but also for the massive increase in the accident rates.
From Ms Saima Khan
Dubai
Need to relax
The roads in the UAE are great and the driving license process is very strict, but there are still a lot of accidents. The main cause of accidents, I think, is impatience while driving, which occurs from too much stress. To get some relaxation from this mental pressure, people need enough rest and sleep and some more fixed holidays. People work long hours and the pressure can become too much, after a point. Everywhere, people are in a hurry so that they can save time. If everybody gets some more time for rest, they could concentrate properly while driving, which would result in less accidents.
From Ms Archana Sen
Abu Dhabi
Too much pressure
My uncle has been a driver here for more than a decade and he is a very self-controlled, disciplined man who drives often in the desert with only two lanes in dense fog, as early as 5.30am in the morning. Yet, he has never made anyone feel uncomfortable with his driving, nor has he gotten any fines. He did, however, tell me about the pressure that employees like him face. Engineers are expected to be at the site for long hours, have low salaries and live in accommodations in the middle of the nowhere! Their home is along the outskirts of Abu Dhabi and the city is more than a hundred kilometres away. Also, through my most recent experience, while commuting to Abu Dhabi on a public bus, I saw how frustrated the driver was, because of the two hours of traffic in Sharjah and the frequent phone calls from his supervisor yelling at him to reach his destination soon.
From Mr Iram Seddiq
UAE
Greater police presence
More police patrols should be present on the roads, not just radars. With the physical presence of police officers on the roads, people will drive more safely. We need them mostly on major roads and highways, as this is where people tend to speed.
From Mr Sandeep Rao
UAE
Create awareness
It’s inappropriate to say there are no systems in place based on a single incident of reckless driving. Accidents do happen in every developed country — it’s an accident and not a deliberate attempt to kill or die. The only way is to educate and increase awareness of the dangers involved.
From Mr Danny Luke
Dubai
Speeding prevails
A couple of reasons that come into play are that drivers are always attached to their phones through their headsets while driving. Most commonly, you will see these scenarios while you personally drive along UAE roads, where people are talking and losing concentration. Exceeding the maximum speed limit of 120km/hr while tailgating is also a problem. This is why you will see accidents in the left lanes where faster driving is happening on the road.
From Mr Winifred Baron
UAE
Rubbernecking
I drive daily down Shaikh Zayed Road. I have noticed a lot of people talking on the phone while driving. Sometimes women are doing their make up. People start driving recklessly when they are late for work — this is often seen during the morning during rush hour. Whenever an accident is spotted on the road, drivers also slow down to watch and this causes traffic. People start changing lanes, slowing down and peering out their windows. Also, drivers going 80km/hr on a fast lane of 100km/hr can be just as dangerous. RTA has to educate motorists, with appropriate messages on electronic boards.
From Ms Praveen Krishnan
Dubai
Too slow or too fast
I think that drivers usually drive rashly due to traffic. Accidents can be caused in many ways. While people are driving, they are not allowed to use their phones, but some people are glued to these devices and cannot stay away from them. Driving really slowly can also cause accidents, as I have noticed many people driving at 80km/hr on the 120km/hr lane. Also common among young boys is their need to speed. They sometimes lose control and may result in hitting another car and injuring themselves.
From Mr Mohammad Farhan
UAE
The mood strikes
I don’t think motorists can get their driving license without proper training, so it is probably because of their mood or attitude. Road rage, urgency or simply wanting to have fun with friends are all reasons why people might find themselves speeding.
From Mr Yusuf Fareed
Abu Dhabi
Editors’ note: Do you wish to contribute to the debate? Is there something that should be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
