When getting behind the wheel is not an option in Dubai

Dubai: Persistent incidents of drink-driving in Dubai have put the focus back on driver-on-demand services that offer motorists a safe ride home when getting behind the wheel is not an option.

A members-only chauffeur service called Buddy’s is the latest addition to the list. It operates in the evening and claims to be one of the few services in the UAE that drives motorists home in the comfort of their own vehicles in the case of sudden illness or after a drink.

According to Dubai Traffic Police statistics, last year 789 fines were issued to motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and mind-altering substances. This seems like a slight improvement compared to 2012, when 808 fines were issued for similar offences. On the other hand, there were 361 accidents related to drink-driving last year, which caused 12 deaths and injured 97. In 2012, the statistics were marginally better with 355 accidents causing five deaths and 110 injuries.

It comes as no surprise that 261 of the accidents last year took place at night while 100 happened during the day. In 2012, 262 of the accidents took place at night while 93 happened during the day.

It is in this environment that driver-on-demand services see business opportunities.

Bernice Sander, director of Buddy’s, said: “With Dubai being a cosmopolitan city, offering a lot of entertainment and socialising, having a buddy on standby for a safe drive home is responsible.”

Dubai Traffic Police have also repeatedly emphasised the need to raise more awareness about the dangers of drink-driving.

“The drive safe service is a good idea as it might help reduce the number of accidents,” said Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Acting Director of Dubai Traffic Police. “What’s most important is that people do not drive when under the influence of alcohol and instead find any method of transportation to get home safely.”

Another service called The Safe Driver, launched in 2011, also hopes to raise awareness about the social responsibility of safe driving.

Hassan Lazem, managing director, said: “We like to think that we are helping reduce accidents related to drinking under the influence of alcohol by making sure people get home safely.”

The service is available throughout the day. “A customer can call and request for a driver or book online on our website and a driver will be at the destination as soon as possible depending on the time and day of the week,” Lazem said.

The service currently has 35 drivers with 1,000-1,500 bookings a month. The minimum charge for one trip is Dh98 while the maximum charge is Dh145.

Dubai Traffic Police will be holding an awareness campaign on the dangers of drink-driving early next month. The campaign will be held in coordination with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Authority.