Speeding: UAE's biggest road safety concern

Speeding is the single biggest traffic safety concern for the UAE's travelling public, 999 Magazine's national driving survey has revealed.

The study, which polled 1,350 respondents across the country, found that even as 68 per cent of respondents consider road travel in the UAE relatively safe, they welcome the idea of increased use of unmarked police vehicles to curb instances of breaking the speed limits on UAE roads.

General carelessness remains the No. 2 concern, followed by driving under the influence of alcohol, rubbernecking (insufficient distance between vehicles), and jumping  red signals.

Inconsiderate turning is No. 6 on the list, followed by loss of control due to tyre blowouts, and not using proper child restraints or seatbelts.

The UAE continues to increase the number of fixed and mobile speed traps or cameras on the roads.

Speed limits on some of the more dangerous highways in the country have also been reduced. A campaign against speeding has also been launched.

The poll, conducted by the official English monthly of the Ministry of Interior, found that the problem is not lack of awareness of the laws governing this issue, with 97 per cent of respondents of all ages confirming their knowledge of traffic penalties.

Respondents believe the increased use of unmarked vehicles to detect road offenders would be a good idea. While two in three (66 per cent) said such measures were fair, a majority (56 per cent) favour an increase in the use of the same.

Lt Colonel Awadh Saleh Al Kindi, Editor-in-Chief of 999, said: "We need to educate all motorists, especially younger ones, about the dangers of speeding. On one hand, officials have warned of strict action against drivers who endanger the lives of other road users, besides their own; on the other, the police are carrying out awareness campaigns and encouraging family members of road accident victims to speak to young vehicle users, making them aware of the tragic consequences of reckless driving.”

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 the year before. In 2010, there were 826 fatalities, while in 2011 the figure was 720.

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 survey is published in the August edition of English 999 magazine.
 

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