Abu Dhabi: Speeding is the biggest traffic safety concern for the UAE’s road users, a national driving survey revealed.

A survey conducted by 999, the Ministry of Interior magazine, polled 1,350 people across the UAE, and identified that 68 per cent consider UAE roads relatively safe and welcome the idea of increased use of undercover police vehicles to crack down on those who break speed limit laws.

In respective order, general carelessness, is the second concern for road users, followed by driving under the influence of alcohol, then rubbernecking (insufficient distance between vehicles), jumping red signals, inconsiderate turning, loss of control due to tire burst, and finally not using proper child restraints or seatbelts.

The police has implemented several mechanisms to reduce accidents and the fatal consequences of speeding. This includes an increased number of radars on the roads, reducing speed limits on some highways, along with an aggressive nationwide marketing campaign against speeding.

According to the poll, the lack of awareness of traffic laws is not the reason for speeding. 97 per cent of respondents, of all ages, confirmed their knowledge of traffic penalties.Yet, some people have complete disregard to the law and safety. In December 2011, radars caught two cars driving at excessive speeds at 252 kilometers per hour and the other at 244 km/h.

“We need to educate all motorists, especially younger ones, about the dangers of speeding. The number of deaths and injuries being caused by speed-related accidents has already come under the official scanner,” said Lt Colonel Awadh Saleh Al Kindi, Editor-in-Chief of 999

Overall, police efforts have been paying off. Data from the General Directorate of Traffic Coordination at the Ministry of Interior show a decline in road fatalities in 2011 by 12.8 per cent compared to 2010.

Fatalities dropped from 826 in 2010 to 720 in 2011.

During this period, collision and crash accidents declined by 11.6 per cent. The number of cases of overturned vehicles decreased more than 20 per cent, and car accidents involving pedestrians fell by 8.6 per cent.

“The significant increase of traffic fines, whether for speeding or others reasons, is only harming the majority of public and not those who drive recklessly as they never stopped endangering the lives of people around them. I believe the authorities should take away their driving license for a year. This might be a more effective punishment,” said Egyptian A. Hamad, 59.