We had a discussion about dangerous driving on our Facebook page over the past few days. We asked our readers about the worst kind of driving behaviour they’ve seen on UAE roads. How did they react to it? Hundreds wrote in. We present a selection of reader experiences.

The social generation

Today’s world is obsessed with social media. Using whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram while driving has become a common sight. People are so addicted to their phones that they do not realise that they are risking their lives. Another issue I have is the way some drivers keep one leg folded on their seat or the dashboard and drive the car with only one leg down. I’ve seen this very often. I think it is very dangerous. Driving with one leg down is apparently the norm amongst youngsters.

From Ms Moome John Bosco, UAE

Rash taxi drivers

Dubai taxi drivers are the worst drivers on the roads. They are always in a rush and drive in a rash manner.

From Mr Shahid Huussain, UAE

Rule the road

The one thing that annoys me the most is the way people who drive a four-wheel think they rule the road. They literally bully people with small cars.

From Mr Dilip Shahani, UAE

Drive fast

Driving slow in the fast lane is dangerous. People say that driving fast risks innocent lives, but I think even slow driving in the left-most lanes is as dangerous.

From Mr Imtiaz Hussain Jahangir, UAE

Shameful

Some people are simply ignorant and selfish. They are a shame to others around them. They know nothing about their own civilisation and they think they are superior to others. I cannot stand this shameful behaviour evident on the roads. Some people must learn to be civilised.

From Mr Awatef Kabaili, Dubai

Bike riders

For me the problem lies with motorcyclists who think that the traffic lights and rules do not apply to them. I have often seen bike riders skipping traffic lights, changing lanes without using their indicators and riding in groups, which blocks the road for others. They don’t know how to drive, but God forbid if they get into an accident, people are surprised and usually blame the motorist.

From Ms Elaine Belcher, Dubai

Makes me nervous

Very often I have seen vehicles tailgating and flashing other vehicles in the fast lane, while driving over the speed limit. Imagine I am the driver being flashed at and there are cars in front of me and parallel to me. How am I supposed to give way to the vehicle behind me? Moreover, these vehicles continue to flash till you actually give them way. It makes me nervous because they drive so close to my car. Such drivers need to be fined and taken off the road.

From Mr Rick Hood, UAE

Double parked for tea

Not using indicators while double parked on the main road to get a cup of tea or coffee from a nearby cafeteria is really annoying. The drivers behind them need to wait for them to get their tea and share giggles with their friends.

From Mr Ivan Peter Cabal, UAE

Driving with children

Small children sitting or mothers carrying babies in their arms in the front passenger seat sends shivers down my spine. Even though the parent drives reasonably slowly, often he/she has to apply sudden brakes because of the child. Just imagine if the brake is just a little hard, the child could hit the windscreen. I will never understand why parents risk the lives of their children.

From Mr Andrea Richardson, UAE

Stop for pedestrians!

I have experienced the same driving habits other readers have pointed out. I agree with all of them. Additionally, I would like to ask what is the purpose of zebra crossings? I don’t see drivers stopping to let the pedestrians cross the road.

From Ms Hyati Amin, UAE

Speeding

For me the most annoying driving behaviour is when people drive at 140km/h when the speed limit is 120km/h just because they know that the camera will only flash after 140km/h.

From Mr Abo Karim, UAE

Driving when sleepy

One day while I was driving parallel to a tanker I realised that the tanker suddenly shifted into my lane. I think the driver was feeling sleepy. It was the most dangerous situation I have been in.

Form Mr S. Alam Manik, UAE

Jumping lanes

I get nervous when I notice people constantly jumping lanes and moving across multiple lanes at a very high speed. It scares me. I think this is the reason for most accidents.

From Ms Jasmine Sayed, UAE

Unnecessary braking

I have often noticed that people suddenly step on their brakes when they see someone driving very close to their car. I think they do this to keep other drivers at a distance. But I think it is unnecessary and asking for trouble.

From Mr Razzak Osman, UAE

Traffic signal discipline

I have noticed that people drive fast to crossthe signal as the green lights starts blinking and it is about to turn yellow. Often people drive past red signals, too. I don’t understand why you would speed at a signal. Why can’t people wait another two minutes and be safe? This behaviour is dangerous for pedestrians, too, as they start walking when the signal turns green. I hope people learn to be patient for their own safety.

From Ms Sumera Malik, Sharjah

No respect

When I give way to other drivers and they go ahead and block my way, it shows that they have no respect for good drivers. Why should I give way then?

From Mr Abdal Haseeb Baloch, Sharjah

Restless driving

Flashing lights despite knowing the right lane is busy and changing lanes frantically will most probably result in an accident.

From Mr Anantha Narayanan, UAE

Sudden brakes before cameras

On the main highways where people drive at a comparatively higher speed, I have noticed that drivers apply sudden brakes when they see a radar. This is very dangerous for cars driving behind you. Either drive under the speed limit or be prepared to get a fine. Please do not risk innocent lives by applying brakes suddenly.

From Mr Zubair Musa, UAE

Don’t complain

It is funny how drivers who themselves violate the traffic rules get together on such forums and criticise bad driving habits. If we really want to make our roads safe, each and every individual driver will have to contribute towards it and pledge to be a responsible driver.

From Mr Umair Ahmed Faruqi, UAE

Not enough sign boards

I think the reason why some drivers change lanes abruptly is because of poor road markings and road signs. Sometimes there are not enough signboards and sometimes the signboard is too close to the exit, which does not give the driver enough time to change lanes.

From Ms Hyati Amin, UAE

Parent’s concern

I hold my breath at the Academic City’s first roundabout close to Zayed University. It is a three-lane roundabout and very often students from the university take a U-turn from the outermost lane of the roundabout. It’s a nightmare. I use that route to pick my son from school. Every day after crossing that roundabout, I am relieved. It’s like an achievement that I did it without being involved in an accident. I don’t know how can people drive in such a rash manner and cut through lanes on the roundabout. They don’t use indicators either.

From Ms Sana Qayyum, UAE

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