UAE students shun seatbelts as unfashionable, survey finds

Dubai: Looking cool in front of friends is a priority to university students, even if it means risking their lives by not wearing seatbelts.

One third of UAE students who participated in a survey taken by 3000 university students between 18 to 23 years old admitted that they do not wear seatbelts while driving.

Engineering student Mohammad Qazooh who takes part in this dangerous practice admits that peer pressure plays a big factor.

“I lived all my life in Jordan before I came to the UAE to pursue my studies. Over there wearing seatbelt is considered unmanly. Unfortunately I picked up the habit here and I actually make fun of friends who do wear it, even though I know that it is the right thing to do.”

Being ‘uncomfortable’ is another reason given by students, including business student Azar Parand. “I try to wear my seat belt, but I honestly can’t stand it especially when I am stuck in traffic. I usually end up unbuckling if it takes too long to reach.”

The survey found that although 44 per cent of the students said that they have been in an accident, 72 per cent of them still say they ‘only sometimes’ – or even never – buckle up.

A World Health Organisation report published earlier this year estimated that wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatalities among front-seat passengers by up to 50 per cent and of rear-seat passengers by up to 75 per cent

Despite these findings, the study revealed that 54 per cent of students believed that wearing a seatbelt was not necessary unless if they were the driver, 45 per cent strongly agreed a seatbelt is as likely to harm as much as help and 42 per cent said they always forget to wear a seatbelt.

In addition to the dangers caused, not wearing a seatbelt in the UAE also has monetary consequence as those caught by the police would be fined Dh400 and receive four black points on their records. The fine only implies on front seat passengers.

The survey was carried out by the Higher Colleges of Technology University (HCT) in conjunction with car firm BMW- as part of the ‘Stay Alert Stay Alive’ awareness campaign — to learn more about their attitudes toward road safety.

In a step towards raising awareness about car safety among students, HCT universities launched a 30-minute e-course that will comprise of seven car safety and risk modules. HCT students across 17 university campuses will be encouraged to complete the interactive course as part of their general studies.

This online course will inform and educate HCT students about the need for safe driving attitudes, as well as the dangers of reckless driving,” said Dr. Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Leanne Blanckenberg, Corporate Communications Manager, BMW Group Middle East said that changing students perception might be difficult. “In practice it is a long and difficult journey to persuade young people that this simple step can save their lives. We have to remember that we’re not just changing driving habits we’re trying to change attitudes,” she added.