I actually started writing this blog several days ago. Then I hit delete. You see, the message was a little bit negative, and I don't want to write negative things. I want to have fun, be happy, and only see the positive in every experience. That is really hard when you are driving in Dubai!
While I don't like to generalize, it really safe to do so when it comes to driving here. Dubai drivers are pretty horrible. The UAE has one of the highest motor vehicle fatality rates in the world. As a rule, the Emiratis do not wear seat belts nor do they put their children in car seats. Combine this with the fact that they drive incredibly fast, well that spells disaster.
I have seen more crazy things on the roads in Dubai than anywhere else. I am becoming a bit more obsessed with the driving habits here as Kevin will be starting drivers education by the end of the month. I now give Kevin commentary as I drive him to and from school daily. I point out the people that cut me off in traffic. I am sure to add that I have to know what vehicles are around me at all times in order to know whether to brake, to swerve, or to just pray!
You probably think this is just a nervous mom talking. Well, I know that is part of it, but it is also a mom who has seen people back up on the highway whenever they miss their exits; people just stop on the side - even if there is no shoulder - to let workers out or pick people up. I have seen men run across the highway trying to get across even though the cars are speeding by at 120 kph! And I won't even get started on the "optional" turn signals!
I have seen two major safe driving campaigns here in Dubai over the past year. The one last spring on posters read "Speeding is a Sin. Speeders are Sinners." So, I didn't notice any difference in driving during that campaign. This fall the campaign is "Save our Sons". They want people to slow down when going past the all-male schools I guess! Poor girls!
So, Kevin driving? I know he'll go through the 5 week training. I am certain he'll pass the test. I know Jim and I will take him on early Friday morning driving sessions. (The roads are completely empty on Friday mornings). But the real dilemma will be on where I can buy enough bubble wrap to surround him and my vehicle when he actually hits the road.
While I don't like to generalize, it really safe to do so when it comes to driving here. Dubai drivers are pretty horrible. The UAE has one of the highest motor vehicle fatality rates in the world. As a rule, the Emiratis do not wear seat belts nor do they put their children in car seats. Combine this with the fact that they drive incredibly fast, well that spells disaster.
I have seen more crazy things on the roads in Dubai than anywhere else. I am becoming a bit more obsessed with the driving habits here as Kevin will be starting drivers education by the end of the month. I now give Kevin commentary as I drive him to and from school daily. I point out the people that cut me off in traffic. I am sure to add that I have to know what vehicles are around me at all times in order to know whether to brake, to swerve, or to just pray!
You probably think this is just a nervous mom talking. Well, I know that is part of it, but it is also a mom who has seen people back up on the highway whenever they miss their exits; people just stop on the side - even if there is no shoulder - to let workers out or pick people up. I have seen men run across the highway trying to get across even though the cars are speeding by at 120 kph! And I won't even get started on the "optional" turn signals!
I have seen two major safe driving campaigns here in Dubai over the past year. The one last spring on posters read "Speeding is a Sin. Speeders are Sinners." So, I didn't notice any difference in driving during that campaign. This fall the campaign is "Save our Sons". They want people to slow down when going past the all-male schools I guess! Poor girls!
So, Kevin driving? I know he'll go through the 5 week training. I am certain he'll pass the test. I know Jim and I will take him on early Friday morning driving sessions. (The roads are completely empty on Friday mornings). But the real dilemma will be on where I can buy enough bubble wrap to surround him and my vehicle when he actually hits the road.
