Teen motorcyclists must ride safely

With real concern for the lives of young motorcyclists, and on behalf of all motorists who silently face this issue every day, I would like to highlight an incident I often come across. It is a great distraction for motorists and a cause for concern.

It is frightening to see young adults in two-wheelers, riding in pairs, at maximum speed. One would think they are racing to reach the other end of the world in the next few seconds. They pay no attention to the rules of the road, other vehicles that come along and — most importantly — their own lives, as they speed along on busy roads, lifting the front wheels of their motorbikes in the air without a second thought to what would happen if they fall.

On close observation, I noticed that they would not take any precautions before taking a turn or crossing junctions — they do not even switch on indicators when they do so. They drive in any direction they like, racing with each other, zigzagging between vehicles. Wouldn't these factors distract drivers and cause them to end up with major accidents?

It is really hard to judge the youth of this era — when and what they are able to do at any time of the day, and who they would put in danger is hard to assess.

Certainly, I think it is time to warn parents who put their children's life at risk and I request the relevant authorities to put an end to unlicensed motorcyclists, by confiscating their vehicles and penalising the parents of minors for their irresponsibility.

I am not advocating against having fun or enjoying one's younger years. My concern is that it is not safe for teenagers to drive on the roads, as the maximum speed limit — in residential areas especially — is 60km/h. What if your child gets knocked down while he is ‘having fun'?

This community report is to highlight the issue and to urge parents to say ‘no' to their children when they insist on riding motorcycles. Apart from the legalities, it is highly dangerous. They must not distract other drivers and put so many lives at risk. Play safely, always.

- The reader is an administrative supervisor, based in Fujairah.

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