Today's Edition
A.SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
UAE motorists have noticed an increase in commute times in the last six months, a survey has found.
A total of 62 percent of respondents reported an increase in their perception of prolonged journeys, marking a six percent rise when compared to the previous edition of the survey and the second highest value over the 11 editions of the survey.
The survey, known as the UAE Road Safety Monitor, was undertaken in December by YouGov, in collaboration with RoadSafetyUAE and Al Wathba Insurance. The survey, which is being conducted since 2015, studies the perceptions of road users about various issues of road safety. It involved a representative sample of 1,031 UAE motorists. The study is repeated every six months, with the next cycle planned towards the end of the first half of 2025.
A total of 31 percent of motorists in a survey reported being involved in at least one road accident in the last six months. This means nearly one in three motorists faced a road accident situation in the UAE.
UAE motorists continue to appreciate the government’s efforts to improve road infrastructure, with 77 percent of respondents noticing progress in road development works. However, concerns remain about dangerous driving behaviours.
A total of 52 percent of motorists “strongly agree/agree” that overall traffic has become more dangerous, a seven percent increase from January 2024 and the fourth highest value across all 11 cycles. Reckless driving behaviours remain a concern, with a notable percentage of respondents perceiving high levels of “Distracted Driving” (61 percent), “Speeding” (60 percent), “Tailgating” (55 percent), and “Lane Swerving” (58 percent). However, these behaviours show a slight improvement compared to the previous cycle.
Additionally, “Driving Enjoyment” has decreased by eigth percent to 63 percent. The booming population and increasing number of vehicles are the possible causes behind these perceptions, underscoring the need for continued road infrastructure enhancements.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, said, “Over the 11 cycles of this study, a recurring pattern emerges: the government scores highly in improving traffic infrastructure, but road user behaviour remains a challenge. While distracted driving behaviours show positive trends, the overall safety perception on UAE roads continues to decrease. We urge motorists to recognise their role in contributing to safer roads and adopt a more safety-conscious attitude behind the wheel.”
“Perception counts! The perception of UAE motorists towards driving culture and the government’s efforts to enhance road infrastructure provides valuable insights. This unique study pinpoints areas for improvement to elevate road safety levels,” said Muralikrishnan Raman, Chief Financial Officer, Al Wathba Insurance. “We participate in this study because gathering and sharing these indicators positively influences behaviour and helps reduce road accidents.”
