Common protocol should guide driving culture

Irrespective of style or culture-induced preference, a motorist should always abide by the rules

The paradox of the driving culture came to the fore again in a survey conducted on the habits of motorists where selfperception clearly underpinned the statistical realities of the findings with 90 per cent of the respondents believing they are ‘polite and courteous’ in their driving habits. The reality is that many drivers think they are in the right, even as they are perceived by others to be in the wrong. The ubiquity of swerving, tailgating, speeding and aggressive driving is proof that objectivity is not what powers the awareness on the driving discipline.

The multiplicity of cultures in Dubai means many individuals take to the roads with a predetermined understanding of their driving manners and this in turn leads to various interpretations of correct and incorrect practises, depending upon which country one comes from. For instance, on the issue of thanking drivers, the perception on gestures varies from culture to culture. And this potentially is a cause for misunderstandings and of each other’s driving styles.

As suggested by experts, one way to address this situation is to arrive at professionally researched data points that can form the baseline for understanding by all drivers.

The truth about driving is that there is the correct way and the incorrect way. Period. Irrespective of style or a culture-induced preference, the handling of a motor vehicle on road is a matter of following the rules and tutoring oneself in a disciplined interaction with the rest of the ilk as prescribed by a driving protocol. It is this commonality that ties all motorists in a cause that leads to the desired outcome of disciplined drivers and safer roads.