50 years on the road and he hasn’t ever been fined
ras al khaimah — Saeed Rashid Ahmed Balhun has been driving for close to 50 years, but he does not have a single traffic violation to his name. The Ras Al Khaimah Police honoured the 78-year-old Emirati on Monday and urged motorists to follow his “shiny track record”.
Balhun, who obtained his first driving licence from Kuwait where he used to work, said he was happy and excited to receive the recognition. “Road safety should always be a top priority for all drivers,” he told Khaleej Times.
Advising the youth to adhere to the stipulated speed limits, Balhun said: “Speeding kills. You not only lose your life in a horrible way, but also break your parents’ hearts.”
Way back when he started driving, the roads were “rough and narrow”. “Now, smooth, wide, multi-lane roads and highways turn long-distance trips into enjoyable journeys, which also allow us to save time, money and effort.”
The UAE’s roads have been ranked as the world’s best for three years in a row, and that has quite helped everyone drive more safely.”
Saeed Rashid Ahmed Balhun, senior model driver
Ras Al Khaimah — Have you ever wondered whether it’s possible not to break any traffic law for almost 50 years? Meet Saeed Rashid Ahmed Balhun, a 78-year-old Emirati who has never had a single violation to his name since he got his driver’s licence in 1969.
The Ras Al Khaimah Police, as part of their efforts to promote road safety, honoured Balhun in a brief ceremony on Monday.
Brigadier Mohammed Saeed Al Humaid, director-general of the central operations room of the RAK Police, said recognising the model driver was their way of encouraging “all motorists to follow the same shiny track”.
Balhun has been carefully following traffic rules for 49 years now. “He was mainly observing speed limits and never got involved in road rage or stunts,” Al Humaid said.
Young drivers in particular need to follow his example as many of the fatal accidents that had happened recently involved the youth, he added. Balhun, who obtained his first driving licence from Kuwait where he used to work, said he was happy and excited to receive the recognition. “Road safety should always be a top priority for all drivers,” he said.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Balhun
said everyone, especially young people, should keep speed limits in mind when driving.
“Speeding kills. You not only lose your life in a horrible way, but also break your parents’ hearts,” he said, referring to the youth.
All radars and traffic patrols have been designed to keep road users safe, Balhun said.
“The UAE’s leaders work hard to provide all citizens and residents with the latest and the best facilities and services.”
He also acknowledged how the country, particularly its traffic departments and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, had spared no effort to improve all road networks.
“The UAE’s roads have been ranked among the world’s best for three years in a row, and that has quite helped everyone drive more safely,” he said.
Way back when he started driving,
He is so kind, disciplined, and punctual. He should be registered in Guinness World Records.”
Major Rashid Saeed, Balhun’s son
Balhun said roads were different — they were rough and narrow. “Now, smooth, wide, multi-lane roads and highways turn long-distance trips into enjoyable journeys, which also allow us to save time, money and effort.”
Traffic laws have also changed over the years, Balhun said. “The ever-developing traffic rules have efficiently deterred reckless drivers and encouraged those behaving well to stay clear of violations.”
Major Rashid Saeed, Balhun’s son, told Khaleej Times that his father is still driving despite his old age and keeping safe on the road is second nature to him.
“He is so kind, disciplined, and punctual. We are so proud of him,” he said. “We have learnt much from him. He should be registered in Guinness World Records.”
Asked about his secret to maintaining a flawless driving record, Balhun said it’s all about keeping one’s focus; avoiding road rage; giving pedestrians priority; maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles ahead; staying in one’s lane; and never jumping red lights. “If you observe these few tips, you will not only be safe, but more importantly come home safe,” Balhun said.