Dubai to crack down on reckless drivers

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday ordered road and traffic officials to come down hard on reckless drivers.

He also ordered them to find immediate solutions to the city's burgeoning traffic problem and implement them on a priority basis, according to WAM.

"Strict action should be taken against reckless drivers who cause congestion and endanger other motorists' lives," Shaikh Mohammad told officials of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Police during a meeting.

Irresponsible behaviour by drivers will not be tolerated, said Shaikh Mohammad who instructed the officials to draft strict rules to punish errant motorists and reckless drivers. He ordered the police to increase patrols to deter reckless driving and ensure punishment for violators.

Shaikh Mohammad told the officials that any delay or slackness in implementing the directives would be considered negligence and will not be tolerated.

Calling for swift results, he asked the road and traffic officials to speed up efforts to implement the rules.

As a frequent visitor to Dubai, I can see that the only deterrents for serious and idiotic bad drivers would be heavy fines, confiscated cars and licences, and a mandatory two years jail term.
Jim
Glasgow,Scotland

Most of the problems we face with the traffic in Dubai are caused by people double parking and causing traffic jams and accidents.
Cheryl
Dubai,UAE

I think all drivers who violate traffic rules should be jailed for at least two years and their driving licences should be cancelled.
Chandra
Dubai,UAE

I think all drivers who violate traffic rules should be jailed for at least two years and their driving licence should be cancelled.
Vinod
Delhi,India

When the laws that are on the books are actually enforced - only then can we see progress.
Confused
Abu Dhabi,UAE

Yes tailgating and flashing high beams are wrong, but at the same time travelling at 70-80km per hour on a 100-120km per hour lane is unbearable.
Ahmed
Dubai,UAE

Police should also fine people who drive at 40 km per hour on 100 km per hour road. Also people who use their mobile phones while driving should be banned.
Shareeq
Dubai,UAE

This may sound weird, but what are the traffic rules? Is there a keep your lane policy or is there a minimum speed on the highway? What are the rights of pedestrians? I tried to figure these out but information is nowhere to be found.
Bobby
Dubai,UAE

The decision should have come earlier on. Severe action should be taken against drivers who have no respect and regard for other people on the road.
George
Dubai,UAE

I am confident that 70 per cent of the traffic problems will be resolved only if the police start patrolling more roads and highways. I have not seen a single violation on streets and highways where police patrols are present.
Shahid
Dubai,UAE

I think now people will take care when driving. The new rules will be bring more road safety.
Masood
Sharjah,UAE

I think the slow driving, talking on mobile and not sticking to their respective lanes are the common causes of traffic jams.
Mohiuddin
Dubai,UAE

I always travel by car. Some of the drivers are so rough on the road they don't even indicate when they want to switch lanes and this causes accidents.
Maria
Dubai,UAE

A lot of drivers speed up beyond the limit and only slow down when approaching radars. If you are driving in front of them within speed limit, they will flash their lights. These are reckless and aggressive drivers.
Nongpi
Dubai,UAE

I think we can also do a scheme wherein a reckless driver who gets more than three complaints from other drivers should be fined.
Atul
Abu Dhabi,UAE

I applaud the decision to increase patrols to deal with dangerous drivers. Traffic officers need the authority and will to physically detain those who violate traffic rules. Enforcement and education are the keys.
Muhammad
Ajman,dubai

I feel relaxed knowing that reckless drivers will be punished. I hope the RTA will implement this ASAP.
Rosy
Dubai,UAE

I applaud the order passed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to come down hard on reckless drivers. To ensure the safety of the public, reckless driving and violators should be punished. I also thank the Dubai Police for their commitment towards the public. Please increase patrols at intersections.
Anita
Dubai,UAE

Good luck and hopefully the rate of accidents will be lessened. All motorists should practice discipline and patience on the road.
Jeff
Dubai,UAE

This is really good news. I hope other emirates will follow suit. If the police is on patrol all the time I think accidents will come to a halt.
IR
Sharjah,UAE

To make our streets safer, the police need only visit all the parking lots at large shopping malls and issue tickets to vehicles with illegal window tints and tow away any vehicle with expired registration. Traffic laws are in place. The non-discriminatory enforcement of these laws is what is lacking!
Helmut
Dubai,UAE

Every now and then I hear this statement, but I haven?t seen an effective solution. I see reckless driving at least five times on average every day while travelling from Sharjah to Dubai and back.
AbdulGafoor
Sharjah,UAE

I think that we should look into drivers tail gaiting other drivers and flashing their high-beam lights. These acts cause confusion and lead to many accidents.
Ali
Al Ain,UAE

Congratulations. I hope that the traffic-police will take serious action on these drivers.
Koshy
Abu Dhabi,UAE