21% of fatal accidents

in the UAE are caused by sudden lane change and failure to use indicators Source: ‘Indicator-Use’ research conducted by RoadSafety UAE and QIC Insured

dubai — Inconsiderate lane changing had caused 21 per cent of road fatalities in the country last year. But why motorists are refraining from using the indicators while they change lane?

According to a survey that covered 1,000 motorists, reasons for not using indicators are: distraction by traffic (23%), non-indicating out of habit (16%), indicating is seen as a sign of inexperience (16%) or weakness (9%) and indicating is not usual in home country (11%).

The survey — the first-ever ‘Indicator-Use’ research in the UAE — was carried out by RoadSafetyUAE and QIC Insured brought out a deeper understanding of the root causes of motorists’ misbehaviour.

Commenting on this research, Frederik Bisbjerg, Executive VicePresident MENA Retail, QIC Insured, said: “We’re surprised to see that almost all acknowledge the importance of using the indicator but only 15 per cent use the indicator when driving. It seems like an easy win for safer roads, if motorists would actually use the indicator when switching lanes. Also, we need to analyse how we can positively influence our customers to increase the usage of the indicator.”

According to the survey, 90 per cent acknowledged that the use of indicators increases road safety. The rate is high among the 30-39 years group with 92 per cent and lowest in the 18-24 years group with 84 per cent. While Westerners score highest with 100 per cent, Arab expats recorded the lowest with 86 per cent. Abu Dhabi comes in below the na- tional average with 85 per cent.

According to Thomas Edelmann, founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, “Continued awareness initiatives are needed to remind motorists that the non-use of indicators does not only break the law, but it is also impolite, inconsiderate and dangerous, as it contributes to the No.1 killer on our roads. Regardless of backgrounds, all UAE motorists must have a crystal clear understanding about it. Just always indicate – it’s as simple as that! ”

He added: “Interestingly, there is a big gap between the perception of motorists’ own behaviour and other motorists’ behaviour.”

According to the survey, motorists seem to be pretty content with own behaviour, with 67 per cent stating that they indicate almost every time. Once again, the youth trails (aged 18-24: 56%) and the experienced excel (40+yrs.: 78%).

“Contrasting the numbers above, only 15 per cent observe others indicating almost every time. These latter numbers seem to represent the reality better than the self-evaluation,” Edelman said.

Emiratis score lowest (54%) and Westerners highest (85%). Abu Dhabi (56%) contrasts Dubai (73%).

The survey was conducted in February by YouGov. The details of the research results can be found in the ‘featured’ section on: http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/ statistics/.