UAE motorists rated safer by fellow drivers

Drivers in the UAE have become a lot more safer than they were six months ago, a survey of motorists has revealed. According to the fifth cycle of the 'UAE Road Safety Monitor', only 41 per cent survey respondents felt UAE roads have become more dangerous, compared to 49 per cent in the previous cycle.

Similarly, respondents who experienced tailgating dropped by 12 per cent. There were other positive trends, too, with distracted driving and lane swerving also registering a decrease.

The study was commissioned by RoadSafetyUAE and QIC Insured and conducted by YouGov in August 2017. It is based on the views of a representative sample of 1,010 UAE residents.

However, according to RoadSafetyUAE, "despite the positive trends, the absolute levels of perceived misbehaviour are still very high".

Thomas Edelmann, managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said: "Yes, the news is very positive! For the first time in this long-term perception study (since 2015), all perceived behaviour trends point in the right direction: UAE motorists observed less lane swerving, less speeding, less distracted driving, less tailgating and overall less reckless driving.

"Despite these very positive trends, more needs to be done, as the absolute levels of perceived misbehaviour are still high. The hard work of all involved stakeholders must continue, especially with regards to education and creating awareness for proper conduct."

Motorists have reported lesser commute times, and lesser number of respondents were involved in a traffic accident than ever within the study period.

However, in contrast - and reversing a long-term trend - UAE motorists stated a reduced overall driving enjoyment. More respondents also expressed a desire for further improved road infrastructure.

"It is very difficult to measure the impact of road safety improvement measures. We believe, that this long-term perception study is an excellent tool to provide feedback to the stakeholders concerned," Edelmann added.

Positive trends

- Dangerous driving overall: -8%

- Tailgating: -12%

- Distracted driving: -10%

- Lane Swerving: -9%

- Speeding: -7%

- Involved in a collision: -5%

- Longer commute times: -10%

Negative trends

- Driving Enjoyment: -5%

- Traffic infrastructure has improved: - 5%

reporters@khaleejtimes.com