Sharjah
What defines road hazards? We often blame fast drivers and tailgaters as a conspicuous road threat. Meanwhile, we fail to acknowledge the slow motorists who, in fact, cause a greater safety threat to not just themselves, but to everyone around them, too.
It is highly important to give attention to slow motorists, especially those in fast lanes as they disrupt traffic and cause others to drive in a wreckless manner, leading them to cause accidents.
Amid the daily rush hour on highways, such as Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, where the speed limit is set at 120kph, motorists have been found on the left-most lane, which is the fast lane, driving at an average speed of 100kph. When these motorists refuse to change lanes, it tends to cause frustration amongst other drivers, causing them to attempt overtaking or tailgating.
Ali Al Harazi, a student based in Sharjah, has also come across this issue.
He said: “Slow drivers definitely present a safety hazard to all drivers on the road. The left-most lane is meant for motorists driving fast to begin with. So, if you remain in that lane for an extended time while driving below the speed limit, you are essentially obstructing traffic.”
Commonly, the highways facilitate drivers with seven to eight lanes, which means they can accommodate all speeds on different lanes. We see that the rates of accidents in the UAE have been decreasing sharply each year, which is why it is essential to recognise the behaviour of slow motorists, as in my opinion, they contribute to the list of accidents caused yearly.
Samina Seddiqi, a homemaker based in Sharjah, has been driving for over 20 years.
She said: “During the rush hour in the morning and evening, we often find a tailback of motorists driving way below the speed limit because of one slow driver refusing to move. It causes tension and frustration as everyone is trying to reach on time.”
This is a commonly observed issue and while everyone has a constant rage against fast drivers, they fail to recognise other threats. However, this does not mean that fast motorists and tailgaters are excused. My concern is to raise awareness, acknowledge and bring attention to other road hazards, which cause a threat and are a hinderance to smooth traffic flow.
A message to those who often find themselves behind a slow motorist - be patient and signal to them rationally to change lanes and avoid overtaking or tailgating.
Subsequently, a message to the slow motorists on lanes they don’t belong on - if you see a tailback caused because of being below the speed limit, it’s best to change lanes as you pose a safety threat to yourself and everyone around you.
— The reader is based in Sharjah.
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FACTBOX:
According to a list of federal fines issued by the Ministry of Interior, driving below the minimum speed limit will result in a fine of Dh400. Tailgating motorists will also result in a fine of Dh400.
