Punish motorists using phones while driving

Just as police take action against speeding, stiff penalties will reduce incidents of distracted driving

The stress of driving is a constant. It does not ebb. It just rises. To stay safe on the road one has to keep a lookout for reckless drivers, who speed, change lanes without indicating, tailgate, rubberneck and are most often, always on their mobile phones.

The UAE has an excellent road network with highways rolling for miles and miles. Many motorists, instead of enjoying a comfortable and safe drive, speed — some outrageously, threatening the lives of others and their own. There have been horrific accidents and every year the toll from road accidents is very high. There is a human, emotional and financial cost.

The authorities have set speed limits on every road based on certain criteria, but many do not pay heed to them. While some drive way above the limit, others tend to slow down to a snail’s pace. This can cause serious accidents as the low speed can take motorists behind by surprise, resulting in them ramming into the car in front. This habit of driving under the speed limit also causes road rage, which in turn can lead to accidents.

Keeping to the speed limit is non-negotiable. Motorists must abide by speed limits and the authorities should crack down hard on repeat offenders, even suspending or revoking licences.

One of the causes of distracted driving — changing lanes without indicating, sudden swerving and jumping lanes — is because motorists are constantly on their mobile phones. This is a dangerous habit that can cause fatal accidents because the motorist is engrossed with their phone.

Just as the authorities are cracking down on speeding, they must take the strictest action against motorists who use mobile phones — suspend or revoke licences of repeat offenders. Only then will the roads become safer.