According to a study published by RoadSafetyUAE, drivers between the age of 18 and 24 are more prone to car crashes because they tend to violate traffic rules and driving ethics. The survey revealed that the major causes of car crashes in the UAE include no use of the indicators, over-speeding, tailgating, not wearing seatbelts and distracted driving.
- Indicators: RoadSafetyUAE surveyed around 1,007 young motorists and found 56 percent of them using indicator every time. On the other hand, 31 percent confided they do not use it as they are busy focusing on the roads.
- Seatbelts: Regarding seatbelt safety, 17 percent of teenagers refrained from wearing their seat belts to avoid creases in their clothes. Moreover, only 62% said they fasten their seat belts while driving, and 65% wore them sitting next to the driver.
- Overspeeding: 72 percent of young motorists admitted to over speeding to reach their destination on time. 30% said they overspeed to test their abilities.
- Distracted Driving: Only 57% of drivers affirmed full focus behind the wheel whilst 38% confessed to getting distracted while driving.
- Tailgating: The situation is even worse when it comes to tailgating. 32% of the people admitted to tailgating because they were running late, while 7% of motorists said they regularly tailgate.
Thomas Edelman, founder and managing director, Road Safety UAE said that young drivers behave recklessly on the road, not only putting their lives in danger but also of others around them. It comes as no surprise that the global death rate for young motorists is double than the experienced drivers.
Research Data:
| INDICATOR USE | SPEEDING | |||||
| Sample Size: 1007 | Total | 18 to 24 | Sample Size: 1005 | Total | 18 to 24 | |
| Indicator used when required? A: ‘Almost every time’ | 67% | 56% | Reasons for speeding: | – | – | |
| Reasons for no- using your indicator: | – | – | Running late | 67% | 72% | |
| The traffic around me demands my full attention, so I cannot think of using the indicator | 23% | 31% | Knowledge of speed camera locations | 39% | 53% | |
| I don’t indicate out of habit | 16% | 28% | To test car’s abilities / cars are designed for speed | 22% | 30% | |
| In my opinion, it is a sign of inexperience to indicate | 15% | 25% |
| SEAT BELT USE | DISTRACTED DRIVING | |||||
| Sample Size: 1016 | Total | 18 to 24 | Sample Size: 1007 | Total | 18 to 24 | |
| As a driver, I use my seat belt ‘Always’ | 72% | 62% | I am always fully focused behind the wheel | 66% | 57% | |
| Sitting next to the driver, I use my seat belt ‘Always’ | 73% | 65% | I occasionally get distracted from my driving | 29% | 38% | |
| Sitting in the back seat, I use my seat belt ‘Always’ | 27% | 20% | ||||
| When driving a car, I ask my passengers to use their seat belt ‘Always’ | 56% | 46% | TAILGATING | |||
| Sample Size: 1010 | Total | 18 to 24 | ||||
| Why don’t you always wear your seat belt or ask your passengers to do so: | – | – | As the driver of a vehicle do you tailgate: | – | – | |
| On short trips, it is not needed to wear seat belts | 32% | 42% | Regularly | 4% | 7% | |
| I am a safe driver and I will not be involved in an accident, hence I don’t need seat belts | 17% | 19% | Never | 59% | 51% | |
| Seat belts crinkle my cloths | 11% | 17% | Main cause for tailgating? | – | – | |
| I am running late | 23% | 32% | ||||
| Are you aware of the new seat belt laws in the UAE? A: ‘Yes’ | 82% | 71% | When I am tailgating other motorists: | – | – | |
| I don’t care how the driver of the vehicle in front feels | 11% | 16% |