While violent road rage incidents are rare in the UAE, aggressive driving tactics persist, posing significant risks to road safety.
Tailgating, in particular, has been identified as one of the most common and hazardous behaviors. Drivers caught tailgating can face fines of Dh400 and accumulate four black points on their driving records.
Recently, Dubai Police arrested a delivery driver for deliberately causing an accident by knocking down another rider. Although the rider was not seriously injured, the driver now faces legal charges in court. This incident highlights the dangers of aggressive driving behaviors, which include tailgating, continuous flashing of headlights, excessive horn use, and illegal overtaking on the hard shoulder.
Dr. Mostafa Al Dah, founder of MA-Traffic Consulting, emphasized the peril of tailgating, particularly in the innermost left lane meant for overtaking.
"Tailgating increases the chance of a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or swerves. It is a leading cause of serious accidents,"
Dr. Al Dah said.
Other dangerous driving behaviors noted by Dr. Al Dah include entering roads without checking for oncoming traffic, stopping in the middle of roads, and picking up or dropping off passengers in active lanes. Such actions not only endanger lives but can also provoke aggressive reactions from other drivers.
In August of last year, a Dubai motorist faced severe penalties for tailgating and dangerous overtaking. The driver received a Dh50,000 fine, 23 black points on their license, and had their vehicle seized after recklessly overtaking and braking abruptly in front of another vehicle.
Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, attributed many road safety issues to time pressure and cultural differences.
"Many drivers exhibit non-caring behavior due to the rush and the diverse driving cultures in the UAE,"
Edelmann said. He stressed the need for improved road etiquette and time management to alleviate these issues.
To enhance road safety, Edelmann advocates for education and awareness regarding proper time management and respectful driving.
"We need to foster a caring attitude on our roads. Drivers should reflect on their behavior, be polite, and prioritize the safety of all road users,"
he added.
To promote safer driving, here are some recommended road safety practices:
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoid tailgating.
- Move out of the fast lane to allow faster vehicles to pass.
- Use indicators when changing lanes or exiting.
- Avoid blocking other drivers and do not stop in the middle of the road, especially near schools or metro stations.
By adhering to these guidelines, drivers can contribute to a safer and more courteous driving environment in Dubai.
News Source: Khaleej Times
