Stunt drivers should be 'taught a lesson'

Dubai - "If they are forced to sweep the streets of Dubai in front of everybody, they will learn a lesson."

Reckless drivers on Dubai roads should be given community service instead of fines, CEO of RoadsafetyUAE.com Thomas Edelman said.
Edelman's comments come following the news that four stunt drivers at CityWalk were ordered by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to clean the streets of Dubai for four hours everyday for a month.
The video of the four drivers had gone viral and was being circulated widely on social media earlier this week.
Edelman said that issuing fines to drivers as such won't solve the problem, instead they should be "taught a lesson".
"I love the punishment because it shows creativity. It's not about issuing fines, but about educating people. This way they can learn not to do it again. Endangering people's life is unacceptable. If they are forced to sweep the streets of Dubai in front of everybody, they will learn a lesson.
"You also have to be creative in order to educate drivers. If you just issue them a fine, they are not that bothered. For example, if a kid is in the front seat of a car, there should be a rule where if they go and buy a car seat within a week, they don't have to pay a fine. In other countries, when reckless drivers are jumping lines to save time, the police pulls them over and asks them for their registration. They make the driver wait a while and teach them a lesson that if you are trying to save time by endangering other people's live, you won't get away with it," he said.
An auto writer in Dubai, George Kuruvilla, founder and editor of www.carmagram.com, said that stunt driving needs to be carried out in a controlled environment as It could be life-threatning.
Kuruvilla, who is an auto journalist, writer to the 'On The Road' segment, wknd. magazine at Khaleej Times, said that community service for stunt drivers will give them a chance to reflect on their bad choices.
He said: "Stunt driving on the streets of Dubai or in any city, should neither be encouraged, nor should they excused. Speedy antics behind the wheel can not only be life-threatening to the driver and the occupants, but also to innocent bystanders and motorists who are simply minding their own business. In a modern society such as ours, where cars a big part of our culture, each has an obligation to another to make aware the serious consequences associated with stunt driving.
"That being said 'stunt driving' is a popular sport and an art in itself and should be carried out only in controlled environments under the supervision of instructors and with safety measures in place.
"Also, the culprits involved should not see social service as a punishment, but a time to reflect on their dangerous acts. They should not see it as a chance to have their egos bashed, but rather an opportunity and have it nurtured in a way that allows them to showcase their skills in a licensed and professional nature in the future, if they wish to do so."
Residents react
Umm Khalid, an Emirati mother who lives in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, said license of stunt drivers should be revoked. "I felt good that they were asked to do community service as punishment. But I am of the opinion that repeat offenders should have their licenses revoked," said Umm Khalid.  
An Arab expat Wael Mohammed said motorists who do stunts are encouraged by public to some extent. "Many of these drivers are attention seekers. And they get what they want when the YouTube videos they post receive thousands of views and encouraging comments," said Mohammed. "I am not against thrill seekers performing adventurous stunts. But it should not be at public places endangering other people's lives," he added.
Filipino expat and long-time Dubai resident Dredd Joseph said: "Community involvement and vigilance is also necessary to curb these outrageous stunts. If someone sees anyone who's doing a stunt they should immediately report it to the police before anyone gets hurt. The safety and security of everyone is paramount so I would suggest a thorough psychological assessment for those who are applying for a license."
For Arnel Fernandez, a father of a 15-year old boy, road discipline starts at home. "Parents should teach their kids road courtesy and be mindful of others' safety as well. If parents will become lax with their child-rearing, it is no wonder that their kids will grow up as brats."
(with inputs from Anjana Sankar and Angel Tesorero)
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai