The 11th cycle of the UAE Road Safety Monitor, a long-running study tracking motorists’ perceptions since 2015, has revealed a mixed sentiment among UAE drivers. While 77% of respondents appreciate ongoing improvements in road infrastructure, concerns over dangerous driving and increasing commute times persist.
The study, conducted by Al Wathba Insurance in collaboration with RoadSafetyUAE and YouGov, surveyed 1,031 UAE residents in December 2024. It highlights a complex picture of road safety trends and driver attitudes in the region.
Key Findings:
- Road Infrastructure:
- 77% of motorists acknowledged improvements in road infrastructure. However, this figure marks a 6% drop compared to the previous cycle in January 2024.
- Continued efforts by government entities remain widely appreciated.
- Dangerous Driving Perceptions:
- 52% of respondents agreed that traffic has become more dangerous, a 7% rise from January 2024 and the fourth-highest value recorded since 2015.
- While reckless driving behaviours remain prevalent, improvements were noted:
- Distracted Driving: 61% (-1 percentage point)
- Speeding: 60% (-3 percentage points)
- Tailgating: 55% (-3 percentage points)
- Lane Swerving: 58% (-3 percentage points)
- Commute Time and Driving Enjoyment:
- 62% of respondents reported longer commute times, a 6% increase, marking the second-highest value observed over 11 cycles.
- Conversely, driving enjoyment dropped by 8 percentage points to 63%, likely impacted by population growth and rising vehicle numbers.
- Accident Rates:
- Alarmingly, 31% of respondents stated they had been in a road accident within the last six months, the second-highest figure recorded in the study’s history.
Expert Insights:
Muralikrishnan Raman, Chief Financial Officer of Al Wathba Insurance, emphasised the significance of understanding motorists’ perceptions:
“This unique study provides valuable insights into areas requiring improvement to enhance road safety. We believe sharing these findings with the public can positively influence behaviour and reduce road accidents.”
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, reiterated the dual responsibility of motorists and government authorities:
“While the UAE government scores highly for its infrastructure efforts, road users’ behaviour remains a challenge. Improvements in distracted driving behaviours are encouraging, but overall safety perceptions are declining. It takes two to tango—motorists must complement government efforts by adopting a more safety-oriented mindset behind the wheel.”
About the Study:
The UAE Road Safety Monitor is a unique, long-term initiative designed to track motorists’ perceptions of road safety, infrastructure, and driving behaviours. Conducted since 2015, it provides actionable insights to guide road safety improvements and public awareness campaigns.