According to the latest available data from UAE’s Ministry of Interior (MOI), distracted driving is the number one mis-behavior on UAE’s roads, leading to 85 fatalities (i.e. 25% of all road fatalities). The MOI numbers are from 2022 and the 2023 data are expected within the next months.
“Al Wathba Insurance teamed up with RoadSafetyUAE to analyze the extent and the root causes of distracted driving which is the main contributor to fatalities on our roads. The results and insights of this YouGov study will help stakeholders to work on initiatives aimed at addressing these very root causes. The study also analyzed the extent to which motorists are distracted, and the respondents’ perception of how to drive in a less distracted manner. Commissioning this study is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and we are certain that the proof points of our commitment will benefit the society.”, states Muralikrishnan Raman, Chief Finance and Operations Officer of Al Wathba Insurance.
“Motorists are aware of the dangers of distracted driving, but at the same time, a high percentage admits to drive in a distracted manner. Distractions stem from the driver’s own behavior, behavior of others in the car and from external factors. It is of utmost importance that motorists reflect on these sources of distraction and to overcome them, to benefit themselves, their passengers and other road users! The mobile phone comes on top of the list of distractions, but motorist define the simple ‘switch off or on silent’ as the remedy to fix their distractions. We call on all involved stakeholders to address their respective audiences, and in particular the eco-system of mobile operators and mobile phone brands, with their powerful consumer reach. Distracted driving is the main killer on our roads, and corporations, governmental bodies, the media, and the road users can help us make a difference!”, adds Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE.
90% of the respondents state that they think distracted driving is dangerous, the study conducted in January 2024 by YouGov with a representative sample of 1,001 UAE residents (n=1,001) shows.
Only 81% are always fully concentrated, which means that one out of five motorists around us does not pay full attention. This number even reaches a ratio of 1 out of 4 in certain segments, like with very young drivers in the age bracket from 19-24 years with only 77%, Arab Expats 74% and Westerners 76%. It goes without saying, that 100% of motorists need to be always fully concentrated while behind the wheel!
1. 33% claim that the use of mobile phones distracts them. The age bracket 25–34-year-old is more affected (39%), Arab Expats (44%) and drivers in Sharjah (58%). 22% claim in addition, that hands-free calls distract them, with more males being distracted (26%) and a whopping 48% of Emiratis. Summarizing, these 2 related root causes stand for 55% of perceived distraction and hence, they clearly are the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed!
2. The behavior of other drivers (44%) is a massive distraction. Females (55%) are more affected than the average, as are older motorists in the age bracket 45 years and older (63%), Westerners (68%) as well as drivers in Sharjah (49%) and Abu Dhabi (48%). Motorists must be aware of the impact of their behavior on fellow road users. The cure is to display a truly caring attitude for others! We need to drive with each other, not against each other.
3. The navigation system is seen as a source of distraction by 28%, with the highest values in the segments 35–44-year-old (38%) and Westerners (37%).
4. The complex road system also distracts 28% of respondents, again with the highest values in the segments 35–44-year-old (42%) and Westerners (41%), but also Emiratis (39%).
5. Reaching for objects in the vehicle (21%) is the last of the top 5 distractions, with Females (30%) and Westerners (29%) being more effected.
A whopping 77% of drivers state that ‘switching the mobile phone in silent or off’ helps them to concentrate while driving!
“We believe major and urgent efforts of all involved stakeholders must be taken to address this vital point! Motorists are aware that this simple remedy will help them. It is a simple little action motorists must take to tackle the main killer on UAE roads! We all can do it, and there is simply no excuse not doing it!”, Muralikrishnan Raman and Thomas Edelmann agree.
In addition, respondents feel these the measures would help them to concentrate:
• Speed limiters 51%
• Presence of speed cameras 44%
• Navigation System 33%
• Being alone 28%
• Listening to my music, playlist, CDs 26%
• Police presence 26%
• Listening to the radio 26%
• Having others in the car 23%
• Coffee or caffeinated drinks 19%
• Proximity of reckless drivers 17%
• Talking to a passenger 16%
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In recent years, automotive technology has advanced rapidly, with one of the notable developments being traffic detection systems in vehicles. These systems, often integrated with a broader suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), play a crucial role in enhancing road safety and driving convenience. Let's delve deeper into what traffic detection systems are, how they work, and why they are becoming increasingly important in modern automobiles.
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During the holy month of Ramadan, it is sad to witness hundreds of accidents and dozens of fatalities every year. Ramadan is a very special time and it is all about being with the ones close to you, which creates a lot of traffic! This festive time also brings unique challenges for all traffic participants.
Tokio Marine, one of the largest UAE auto insurers teamed up with RoadSafetyUAE to analyze their 2023 Ramadan motor insurance claims data (22 March to 20 April 2023) to come up with meaningful insights aimed at raising awareness and protecting UAE road users.
Takako Matsuo, Senior Manager Direct Business and Marketing of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd states: “We collect a significant amount of claims data which we thoroughly analyze and we want to share the key findings for the good of the people and society in the UAE. In this instance, we analyzed 1,320 UAE claims data. The Ramadan period poses a specific challenge to UAE road users and we want to contribute from our side to keep everyone safe on the road.”
Thomas Edelmann, Founder & Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE states: “Tokio Marine is in a great position to share real-life data benefitting UAE road users. It was amazing to team up with the Team at Tokio Marine to jointly analyze their claims data. It takes great commitment from a company to go the extra mile to use their resources to the broader benefit and to raise the awareness for Ramadan specific road safety. UAE motorists need to be especially careful with regards to the behavior of other drivers in Ramadan, as in more than 50% of accidents third party is at fault and in 36% it is shared fault. Between 1 to 4pm most accidents are taking place (35%), followed by the late morning rush hour from 9-12pm (21%). Wednesdays are the most dangerous week days, while the weekends are the safest. Motorists in the age bracket of 30-39 years are most vulnerable, followed by the segment of 40–49 year olds. Accident claims by nationality seem to follow the demographic distribution.”
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