The recent fatal incident involving three Emirati teenagers in a car accident on Monday evening has once again highlighted the pressing issue of underage driving in the UAE. The tragedy occurred on Kalba Road in Sharjah during iftar, allegedly due to an underage driver who lost control of the vehicle, leading to the catastrophic event.
This incident adds to an unsettling list of avoidable accidents connected to minors operating vehicles without valid permits.
Officials have consistently expressed concern regarding the ongoing challenge of underage driving. Discussions with schoolchildren reveal that numerous young teens continue to use their parents’ cars without authorization, often spurred by peer pressure. For some, driving is a point of pride, a way to impress their friends. For others, it is a forced participation to avoid exclusion.
Concerning patterns
A 14-year-old from an Asian school in Dubai disclosed that some of her peers drive their parents’ vehicles, frequently during the night or in less populated areas. “They find it thrilling and feel a sense of achievement. If one child does it, many others follow suit,” she mentioned. Another student recounted taking a friend’s SUV for a joyride while the owner was away. “It was dangerous, and we felt scared,” he confessed. Nonetheless, the potential dangers do not always dissuade young individuals from driving.
The lack of parental oversight is also significant. One mother shared her experience of receiving a call from the police late at night, only to learn that her son had been apprehended for driving without a license. “I was completely unaware he had taken the car. It was shocking and embarrassing,” she expressed.
Experts in road safety warn that the acceptance of such reckless conduct underscores the immediate need for enhanced parental monitoring and greater awareness.
The crash on Monday is not an isolated case. In November 2020, a 12-year-old lost his life in Ras Al Khaimah when a 13-year-old driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the injury of two other minors. Additionally, in March 2019, Ras Al Khaimah experienced another severe incident where four teenagers died and three others were injured in a high-speed crash caused by an underage driver.
In November 2019, a 17-year-old in Sharjah, still in the learning phase of driving, accidentally struck and killed his own mother.
Young survivors from such accidents often endure lasting psychological impact. Counselors indicate that without proper intervention, these emotional wounds could lead to a tendency for high-risk behavior in adulthood.
Legal ramifications
According to Article 51 of the UAE Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995, driving without a license is a criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for up to three years and a minimum fine of Dh5,000. Parents who permit or do not prevent their children from driving face legal repercussions as well. The UAE enforces a strict policy against underage driving.
The forthcoming traffic law, Federal Decree-Law No. (14) of 2024 on Traffic Regulation, which will come into effect on March 29, introduces crucial amendments, including reducing the minimum age for acquiring a driving license for cars and light vehicles from 18 to 17 years. This new legislation also strengthens enforcement measures, allowing for the arrest of individuals engaging in reckless driving, which could affect underage offenders.
Urgent call for action
Officials emphasize that beyond legal actions, the responsibility to prevent underage driving begins at home. Parents must be more vigilant and proactive in establishing clear guidelines to ensure minors do not take the wheel. Additionally, experts recommend that schools enhance awareness programs to better educate students on the legal liabilities and potential fatal consequences associated with underage driving.
Mazhar Farooqui
Mazhar Farooqui, also recognized as Maz, is a highly acclaimed investigative journalist and Senior …More