UAE Radars Ineffective Without Driver Education

UAE Traffic Safety: 800 Radars Aren't Enough, Mindset Change is Key

The issue of road safety in the UAE remains a central topic, especially in light of the fact that in 2024, distracted attention was the number one cause of fatal road accidents. Despite the operation of more than 800 speed cameras on Abu Dhabi's and hundreds on Dubai's roads, experts believe that punishment and technology alone are not enough. Drivers' mindset must change if we want to see a real decrease in the number of accidents.

Radars Don't Replace Education

Experts unanimously agree that the current network of cameras and radars merely serves to identify violators rather than develop safe driving habits. At the Mobility Live event held in Dubai, it was emphasized that drivers need to be taught why vigilance and responsible behavior are important on the roads.

Of the three main types of distractions – visual, physical, and cognitive – mobile phone use affects all three at once. Making calls, texting, or browsing social media while driving dramatically increases the risk of accidents.

Consequences of Distraction Extend Beyond Roads

Road deaths affect more than just the police. Ambulances, hospitals, health authorities, and even civil defense are involved in every case. Therefore, these institutions need to jointly develop solutions and launch awareness campaigns together.

These campaigns should not only focus on raising awareness of dangers but also on helping drivers understand what happens after an accident and who the incident affects beyond the primary victims.

Parental Role Modeling is Crucially Important

Research shows that children begin observing how their parents behave in the car from as young as four years old. If a parent uses their phone while driving, the child is more likely to do the same later on. Therefore, safety education cannot begin too early.

Involving schools can be crucial in creating generational change. Experience shows that children who learn about traffic often remind their parents to only stop at designated areas or not to get out in the middle of the road.

Infrastructure and Environment: The System Can Also Distract

It's not just human error that can fail. The placement of traffic signs, the logic of traffic lights, or road designs can also contribute to distraction. In the UAE, regular road audits are conducted to identify these errors and improve infrastructure.

Traffic Safety is a Public Health Issue

According to experts, it's time for road safety to be treated as a societal priority similar to cancer or heart disease. Preventing accidents saves lives and long-term reduces the burdens on the healthcare system.

Summary

Traffic safety is not just a technical issue. Radars, speed cameras, and surveillance systems are important tools but do not replace conscious driving behavior. If we want to achieve real change on UAE roads, education, community awareness, and cooperation between institutions are essential. This is the only way to create a traffic culture that is truly safe for everyone.

(Source: Based on the Mobility Live event.)