Whether you’ve recently moved to Abu Dhabi or have been here for years, you’ve no doubt noticed erratic driving habits on our roads.

In a bid to boost awareness and promote safe habits, RoadSafetyUAE is homing in on three critical behavioural patterns among UAE drivers.

Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said, “From various data points we collected since we launched our road safety platform, we want to single out three changes which would dramatically improve the UAE’s road safety and the human toll we pay. We want to focus on time management, road etiquette and politeness and fasten seat belts.”

A 2015 YouGov survey revealed that 67 percent of UAE motorists claimed ‘running late’ was the root cause for speeding. Poor time management can lead to erratic driving habits like jumping queues and red lights, tailgating and swerving. Edelmann believes that managing your time better by starting your trip ten minutes earlier would reduce stress levels and the possibility of accidents.

Speaking about motorists’ etiquette, Edelmann said, “Motorists must treat others like they want to be treated, in the same respectful and polite manner. We have to care for each other and we must show this in our road behaviour. Even if we are running late or end up in other stressful situations, good manners and a caring attitude for others must prevail.”

Edelmann also stressed the need for drivers and passengers to buckle up, stressing that 45 to 60 percent of fatalities and injuries on the roads could be prevented by seat belts.

“Even children without proper restraint systems can be observed on a daily basis, and this must change immediately,” stressed Edelmann. To find out about Road Safety UAE’s top tips and tricks, visit: roadsafetyuae.com