Friday 15 January 2010
Women drivers cause fewer accidents – say records
According to traffic accidents statistics in Abu Dhabi, 3172 accidents were recorded last year. Of these 2,916 accidents were caused by men drivers, and 256 caused by women (Soft Driving). The rate of accidents caused by women was almost 10%, despite they were driving their vehicles very slowly.
New men drivers involved in 311 accidents against 47 women drivers. 135 offences were registered for driving at a very low speed on inner-city roads and highways.
Driving at a low speed on the middle and left lanes confuses other drivers and prevent them from reaching their work places on time. It also eposes them to accidents while trying to overtake drivers who travel slowly, especially on highways.
According to Colonel Hamad Adeel Al Shamsi, Director of Traffic and Patrols Department at ADP, The traffic rules are for all motorists, male or female. Slow drivers shall use the right lane, particularly on highways. They should use their side mirrors, correct traffic indicator and then move to the new lane, without disturbing others or forcing them to slow down.
Others Rights
According to Traffic Expert Mahmood Mohammad Abdul Qadir, a Researcher at ADP Center for Research and Security Studies, driving slowly on the left or middle lanes is a violation because it causes congestion and it is difficult for others to avoid accidents at dangerously low speeds. The road represents a society and motorists should respect the rights of others. Slow drivers n these lanes, specially on highways, increase the risks of rear-end collisions and accidents among vehicles trying to overtake them.
It is a risk...But!
Dr. Jihad Sibeita, General Manager of Emirates Driving Company, says there is no masculine or soft driving, but there are common behaviors. He adds some think that male drivers are more reckless and possessed by adventure spirit, while females by nature are less rushed and more deliberate. But still driving rules are the same for males and females. Skillful driving and confidence are gained over time. He urges low speed drivers to use the right lanes.
Confusion or lack of skill
A number of nationals and residents have expressed their concerns of slow drivers below the speed limit.. Yasir Abdullah Al Kaabi, UAE national, says some female drivers drive their vehicles at a very low speed to the extent that they slow down the traffic on the road. They do not use their traffic indicators when they change lanes, the thing that confuses the rear drivers.
Mr. Abu Ahmed believes that the matter is relative. Some women drive at speeds higher than their male counterparts and others at low speeds. This may be due to their weak driving skills. Ibrar Hussain, a driver, he thinks female drivers cause many problems on the road, particularly when they want to change lanes. They do not use traffic indicators. Some times they stop their vehicle suddenly.
Khalid Omer believes that wome