A reckless motorist is a driver's worst nightmare. They weave in and out of traffic and drive at extremely high speeds and bully other motorists out of their lanes by using horns or flashing headlights.
Such inconsiderate drivers appear to be a norm on UAE roads and have no concern for the safety of fellow commuters, as per Gulf News reader responses.
They are often involved or cause accidents that could have been avoided had they followed traffic rules and regulations. Have you ever witnessed or had an experience involving a reckless motorist?
Community service for violating road etiquette is a welcome move.
I guess it is a good first step but these actions need more publicity to generate awareness and prevent reckless driving. Also, the infrastructure needs to be improved to decrease traffic, as it is the primary reason that people break traffic regulations.
– Satya Sittaramane
Dubai
I don't think community service is going to have a significant effect, apart from slightly hurting the ego of the motorists. They drive rashly because they want to beat traffic. We need a more robust infrastructure with special emphasis on public transport. I feel the introduction of the Metro will have a better impact and help in easing traffic woes.
– Vijay Daniel
Dubai
It all depends on the driver, and if he or she really wants to change his or her driving behaviour. It will not help if the authorities ask them to do community service. They need to have stricter rules for issuing driving licences. Giving licences only to those drivers who are extremely careful and observe rules will help.
– Murtaza Bhatri
Dubai
I think community service is a really good idea, but its implementation needs to be monitored. A few people may try to get around fulfilling the hours they need to complete for community service. The rule needs to be implemented strictly to be effective. Most people do not have a problem paying fines regularly, but manual work such as cleaning roads will help put a stop to reckless driving.
– Siraj Jaliel
Dubai
Youngsters performing road stunts should be banned from getting a driving licence.
There should be specific places allocated for youngsters to perform road stunts. I do not think banning them from getting a driving licence is going to help. Some of these youngsters are quite experienced and enjoy performing road tricks, which they should be able to do away from public areas so as not to hurt others.
– Nasim Hekmat
Dubai
I see bikers performing stunts quite often, but I do not think they should be banned from getting a driving licence. They should instead be encouraged to perform such stunts safely, so that they are not a hazard to themselves or others.
– Zawar Zaroog
Dubai
Some of the motorists and bikers are specialised and experienced, and it would be unfair if they were banned from getting a driving licence. There is a need for facilities specifically for such youngsters, such as a special lane on the roads for bikers so that they know how to obey traffic rules.
– Negin Javaheriam
Dubai
Such an action may prevent accidents, but there is also a need for specific regulations for motorists so that they know what is allowed and what is not. They need to be aware of the fact that they are in danger of breaking the law. Personally, I think it depends on the driver and if he or she is qualified enough to perform such stunts.
– Anup Quraishi
Dubai
Reckless drivers should face fines over Dh5,000.
If motorists have a record of being reckless, they should definitely pay heavy fines. But not many people are affected by these penalties. I think some people, especially youngsters, continue to drive rashly even after being fined. Stricter punishment such as jail or community service would make more of a difference.
– Joel John
Dubai
I don't drive but I have seen some really horrible driving, especially on Shaikh Zayed Road. Everyone is in a hurry, but that doesn't give motorists the right to put their lives and others in danger, by driving recklessly. Such offenders should definitely pay hefty fines, and the authorities should make sure their road behaviour is monitored.
– Nihal Abbas
Dubai
A fine of Dh5,000 is too much. I don't think people can even afford to pay that amount. I think the maximum penalty should be about Dh500, and repeated warnings should be given to motorists in order for them to be aware of their behaviour. I'm sure if people know that they will be in huge trouble, they will try to be more careful.
– Ritchie Thomas
Dubai
Increasing the fine will not help. Stricter action needs to be taken against such reckless drivers. Their vehicles should be confiscated or they should get black points on their licences, as I feel this will be more effective in forcing them to obey traffic rules.
– Mohammad Kashif
Dubai
Motorists caught speeding more than five times in a year should face jail time.
People who break rules should face strict punishment because they are putting other lives in danger. A jail term will definitely have a more lasting effect than fines. Anything that brings a bad name to a person or his family will shake him up and cause him to change his ways, and the idea of facing jail time does this.
– Sundaram Balasubramaniam
Dubai
I drive recklessly sometimes, myself. I think warning people through fines and eventually impounding their cars is a better option than jail. In this way, people will still pay for their misbehaviour on the roads, but won't have to suffer jail time for it. I think spending time in jail is too harsh a punishment.
– Sahil Mirchandani
Dubai
The grim prospect of facing jail time will stop people from driving recklessly. But, I think people should be warned first, and fined for their offence. If they keep breaking the rules repeatedly, then they should be jailed for a week. It will make them think twice before driving irresponsibly in the future.
– Melvin Mathew
Sharjah
If the motorists have been caught speeding five times, it definitely means fining is not as effective as it's supposed to be. Serving jail time may be a bit harsh, but that does not mean that these violators should be let off easy. I think community service idea is an excellent way to encourage motorists to drive safely.
– Krithika Garga
Dubai
