Containing the allure of speed

Youth are enticed by fast driving. We need to teach them how to channel this urge safely

Shagufta Usman and her husband Usman Shaikh. They both have been involved in a serious accident that caused Shagufta to have seven surgeries on her leg in the past few years and will require a few more. Her husband continues to suffer from back issues. Reem Mohammed / The NationalShow less

Since January more than half of the 40 deaths on our roads were caused by drivers aged between 22 and 30 – triple the rate of those in their forties. This is a sober reminder of the challenge we face in making our roads safer. Given the disproportionate involvement of younger drivers, we need to craft a way to curb road fatalities using existing approaches to road safety.

Given society’s insatiable thirst for speed as highlighted by the proliferation of racing video games, fast sports cars and Hollywood blockbuster films such as the Furious series, we have to educate our youth as to the proper outlets to channel their need for speed. There are a number of race tracks and safe places in which people can race cars that are removed from our roads. During the learning process, we must hammer home the message that speed is not bad as long as it is experienced in the proper.

Additionally, we have to do more when it comes to educating young drivers as to the consequences of dangerous driving. As The National reported on Friday, too many young drivers aren’t deterred by the prospect of being involved in fatal or near-fatal accidents. Many of these drivers aren’t deterred by the possibility of huge traffic fines for reckless driving as well.

While these revelations are shocking, they are not surprising. We simply must do more to educate and, quite frankly, to scare young drivers about the consequences of speeding and reckless driving. In some countries, drivers are given the option of classes that specifically highlight the consequences of poor or aggressive driving with films and first-hand accounts. In exchange for attendance, insurance premiums are lowered. A similar programme could be tested in the UAE.

When it comes to education, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We must take a pragmatic approach to the allure of speed, ensure that there are safe outlets for young drivers to drive fast and educate society about the consequences of fast drivers on regular roads. We have the structure in place and must continue to hammer the message home.