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Discuss this article (2 Comments)RTA's new plan to tackle rogue motorists
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 29 June 2009
DANGEROUS PLACE: The UAE's roads have been ranked among the world's most dangerous. (Getty Images)
Transport chiefs in Dubai are set to re-educate drivers who are failing to comply with the rules of the road due to their basic understanding of traffic regulations.
In an emailed response to Arabian Business, the Roads and Transport Authority confirmed it would establish a training centre for learners and licensed motorists to address Dubai’s low driving standards.
“Drivers lack basic knowledge and compliance with traffic rules and regulation,” Ali Al Jasim, director of the RTA’s driving licensing department, said.
“The awareness centre will focus on educating the drivers and enhance their driving knowledge and skills by providing them with necessary lectures as needed.”
He added statistics for the number of traffic accidents so far this year compared with the same period in 2008 were unavailable.
Al Jasim said the training would last between one to two months and may involve costs that the participants have to pay.
Introducing theory and hazard perception tests have also been mooted, according to Al Jasim.
“Some policies and projects are related to new drivers and others focus on licensed motorists, and as mentioned they are planned and in the study phase,” Al Jasim said.
No further details were given about the training involved or when the centre would open. It is also unclear whether licensed drivers that have committed road violations will have to undergo training.
Earlier this month, RTA Licensing Agency CEO Ahmed Bahrozyan revealed several projects would be introduced to “update driver training and qualification policies”.
When discussing the RTA’s plan to introduce a training centre, he said: “A comprehensive awareness centre will be established to educate old and new drivers in an effort to refine the driving attitudes of those drivers who show remarkable rates of incompliance with driving and traffic rules.”
Bahrozyan also said the RTA would issue temporary licenses to new drivers, hold night time driving classes and introduce compulsory eye sight tests for learners.
READERS' COMMENTS
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Suggestions
Posted by Concerned Motorist, Dubai, UAE on Monday 29 June 2009 at 14:11 UAE time
It's a good move to put all those centers in place and educate people more, but an awareness campaign would be a lot better, not the one that shows the fines, but one that gives tips to drivers on how to drive and respect other drivers. Tips on how to avoid accidents, not driving slowly on the fast lane, not jumping 3 lanes all together, tailing...etc Some people actually believe they can drive at a speed of 60 on the fast lane! This knowledge should be conveyed to drivers on the road, especially people who learn how to drive in the UAE.
Fines and introducing schools (which are good ways to make money) are a good addition once you have enough campaigns and the driver basic knowledge. Introducing new fines like they did only led to annoying the people, and making money for RTA.
What kind of discipline would this be, when the fine requires impounding the vehicle, but, but, but... you can pay to avoid it, or even better, get out of there, and rent a car?
Posted by Concerned Motorist, Dubai, UAE on Monday 29 June 2009 at 14:11 UAE time
It's a good move to put all those centers in place and educate people more, but an awareness campaign would be a lot better, not the one that shows the fines, but one that gives tips to drivers on how to drive and respect other drivers. Tips on how to avoid accidents, not driving slowly on the fast lane, not jumping 3 lanes all together, tailing...etc Some people actually believe they can drive at a speed of 60 on the fast lane! This knowledge should be conveyed to drivers on the road, especially people who learn how to drive in the UAE.
Fines and introducing schools (which are good ways to make money) are a good addition once you have enough campaigns and the driver basic knowledge. Introducing new fines like they did only led to annoying the people, and making money for RTA.
What kind of discipline would this be, when the fine requires impounding the vehicle, but, but, but... you can pay to avoid it, or even better, get out of there, and rent a car?
Start with the police
Posted by Mustafa, Dubai on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:28 UAE time
I believe it would not be difficult to dramatically raise the driving standards if the police were more active on the roads.
Posted by Mustafa, Dubai on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:28 UAE time
I believe it would not be difficult to dramatically raise the driving standards if the police were more active on the roads.
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