Dubai Drivers Are Also Distracted Drivers

According to the latest UAE Road Safety Monitor report, approximately fifty-six percent of motorists think that the UAE’s roads have become more dangerous in the last six months. The reason behind the motorist thinking? An improvement in the road infrastructure.

In a study conducted by the Qatar Insurance Company and RoadSafetyUAE, fifty-six percent of motorists felt that the UAE’s roads have become more dangerous in the last six months. Twenty-two percent of the respondents surveyed suggested that the roads have become safer. The participants in the survey expressed concerns regarding the driving behaviour of younger drivers between the ages of 18 and 24.

Dubai Drivers Engage In Distracted Driving Behaviours

As many as 56 percent of motorists believes the UAE’s roads have become more dangerous in the last six months, compared with only 22 percent who say they have become safer. The primary concern of respondents surrounded the driving behaviour of young drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 while only 45 percent of that age group stating that driving has become more dangerous, compared to 57 percent in 2015.

Of the total respondents, sixty-seven percent indicated that they witnessed more speeding on UAE roads in the last six months. Sixty-four percent of the interviewees reported more tailgating. Seventy-nine percent of the participants in the survey observed more distracted driving and sixty-nine percent saw more drivers change lanes abruptly.The study also revealed that nineteen percent of the respondents were involved in traffic collisions while twenty-four percent received some traffic fine.

According to the managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, Thomas Edelmann:

“Despite comprehensive efforts to enhance and improve our roads, the irresponsible behaviour of significant numbers of motorists remains a stubborn challenge. The abrupt changing of lanes, tailgating, speeding and distracted driving are top killers on our roads and yet all are entirely preventable.”

The director went on to state that the country was doing their part to make the roads safer but the country’s drivers need to participate as well. There is a need to raise driver’s awareness regarding road safety and education. Maybe it’s time for Young Drivers of Canada to open a centre in Dubai!