Learn to assess road risks, driving instructors urge motorists

Sudden swerving, failure to observe a safe distance between cars, excessive speed, poor lane discipline and red-light jumping were the main causes of 489 accidents in Abu Dhabi in the first quarter of the year.

ABU DHABI // Drivers need to develop skills to perceive and respond to hazards posed by others to reduce the risk of crashes, experts say.

Sudden swerving, failure to observe a safe distance between cars, excessive speed, poor lane discipline and driving through red lights were the main causes of the 489 accidents in Abu Dhabi in the first three months of this year.

“You are operating a very dangerous machine,” said Khaled Al Mansoori, chief executive of the Emirates Driving Company in Abu Dhabi.

"You need to scan for hazards and pay attention to other road users. Maybe another car is coming or a pedestrian is crossing the street. Look well ahead and do the right manoeuvres to keep yourself and others safe."

Hazards can be avoided by developing safe and good defensive driving habits, Ms Al Mansoori said.

At Emirates Driving Company, students learn defensive driving principles and hazard perception, as well as how to assess risks, brake safely and keep safe distances.

“We see people with unsafe, bad driving habits when they approach a traffic light,” Mr Al Mansoori said. “Instead of slowing down gradually, they hit the brakes hard. You can avoid rear-end collisions by maintaining a safe following distance.”

Driving schools set the driving standard and expectations of road users, said Dino Kalivas, chairman of driver education and training committee of the International Road Federation.

“The curriculum that is taught needs to cover a wide range of information from compliance and understanding of road rules to wearing seat belts, vehicle maintenance and vehicle safety systems,” Mr Kalivas said.

“The cognitive aspects of driving, such as hazard perception, driver non-distraction and developing a culture of safe road users are distinct goals that drivers need to be competent in.”

A defensive driving course can greatly help motorists to become proactive drivers, said P M Abdul Razak, assistant manager at Emirates Driving Institute's instructor training centre.

“The course provides many advanced tips how to improve a driver’s concentration, attentiveness and how to anticipate other road users’ actions,” Mr Abdul Razak said.

To instil a culture of safety among children as future road users, road safety should be part of the school curriculum. “Many countries have a range of road-safety education in schools,” Mr Kalivas said.

“The aim is to introduce young drivers into the thinking space of driving so that they understand the risks of driving before they learn to drive.”

Children often show hostility when asked to sit in the back seat as they want to enjoy the journey in the front, Mr Abdul Razak said.

“But if they’re taught in school that the back seat is the safest place for them in the car, they’re likely to obey safety practices,” he said.

“The next generation will be more aware of safety issues, and help contribute to safer roads.”