Causes and Effects of Road Accidents in UAE - Essay Example

The paper explores what has led to an increased number of road traffic accidents with fatalities and casualties challenging the probability of living (El-Sadig, 2012, p. 67). Currently, a road traffic accident is a major problem faced by security agencies in the United Arab Emirates and the public as well. Therefore, road accidents represent the number of deaths and injuries, and the effect of accidents on social life. In addition, traffic accident causes material losses in terms of property damage, which is a cost to the economy. According to traffic statistics released by the Ministry of Interior in 2012, 6454 accidents occurred resulting in 758 injuries and 628 people died (International Business Publications, 2012 p. 14). Major car accidents occur because of irresponsible behaviors of drivers such as not abiding by to speed limit, maintaining a short distance between cars, neglecting the importance of safety belts, and making a call while driving. Young Emiratis are the major contributor and cause of road traffic accidents in the UAE (Martin, 2010, p. 46).  This work will explore the causes and impacts of road accidents among young Emiratis, policies, and regulations implemented to combat this health issue.

Various factors contribute to the alarming and increasing number of traffic accidents caused by young Emiratis. The response to peer pressure by young Emiratis through attitudes and values is behind the alarming number of UAE traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries. This causes reckless driving practices adopted by young Emiratis (Brown, et.al 2005 p. 59). According to a study conducted by the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy, male young Emiratis are cited for the high rate of car accidents. Male young Emiratis appear to thrive on the risk and in most cases do not abide by traffic and safety rules as compared to female young Emiratis.

Early driving is also pointed out as the cause of car accidents. According to the study, young Emiratis claim that they started driving surreptitiously or with permission from their parents before they attain the legal age of 18 years, 8 years to be precise. This is a major determinant of accidents, which result in great loss to society and the economy. With regard to reckless driving, many young Emiratis engage in risky driving practices including exceeding the speed limit, overtaking using the wrong lane, intruding to force way, and tailgating (Hutchinson, 2004 p.100).

Safety measures that drivers are encouraged to observe, even though they are not legally binding, are not in style to young Emiratis. Others go to the extent of eating and drinking while driving, do not use indicators to show directions, and do not use hand-free sets when answering or making calls. Expression of superiority consumes young Emiratis while driving. This is a behavioral pattern that scientists call ‘territoriality’. It refers to the attempt by an individual to occupy, define and defend what he considers his own territory. While driving, young Emiratis mostly overtake the car in front of the driver of that car is an expatriate or from another Emirate (Martin, 2010, p. 89).

When a road accident occurs, there are tangible and intangible costs incurred. It results in a fatality. Young Emiratis drive recklessly which results in road traffic accidents. They over-speed and overtake on the wrong lane and fail to observe basic driving rules, which results in unexpected collisions. This causes death to drivers, occupants, and those in the surroundings such as passengers and motorists (Edwards, et.al 2013 p.158). Collusion causes the destruction of properties thus leading to physical and financial losses. This is an impediment to economic growth in the country as many funds are lost. Those who escape death are injured and the others are bedridden for the rest of their lives. This is a cost to the economy as many funds are invested in their treatment, upkeep, and other welfare. Road accident increases the dependency ratio in the United Arab Emirates.

Road traffic accident leads to a direct impact on the social and physical environment. After an accident has occurred there is the probability of death, the family will have to sustain the medical burden or alternatively incur costs in the event of death thus the whole family becomes financially vulnerable (Al-Dah, 2010, p. 59). This adds social cost as families seek alternative income earning to alleviate poverty. Other economic costs caused by accidents include insurance administration, legal expenses, and medical services.

The government through the ministry of interior enforces driving rules and regulations in an attempt to reduce the effect of a road accidents. Measures that the ministry uses to combat accident include ensuring drivers obey traffic laws; compulsory advanced driving courses, and other basic driving laws (Gaudry, 2003 p.145). This demands that young Emiratis abide by the speed limit, maintain a clear distance behind the cars in front, wear safety boats, and always stop to make mobile telephone calls. Even though those that abide by these laws may be called “unskilled drivers”, the measures are considered the best approach to reducing the number of accidents (El-Sadig, 2012, p. 134).

Road accidents in the UAE are mainly caused by behavioral patterns expressed by young Emiratis. Experts have advised that this problem can be reduced by the inclusion of experts in human behavior to manipulate the altitude, beliefs, and values of reckless young Emiratis.