Stop this madness, speeding can kill

Speed without control is a race to death. So it doesn't hurt to be on the side of caution when at the wheel. Driving is about being responsible and showing respect for other road-users and yourself. A sports car and free roads are great temptations to keep the accelerator pedal down and zip into the distance. But what unfolds is tragedy. What would have been a pleasant outing in Dubai on Sunday turned tragic for four young people crammed into a two-seater Ferrari. They didn't live to tell the tale after they sped on a 60km/hour road, hit a curb and rammed into a pole. The car was split in two by the impact. They didn't make it alive because they lost their heads to that crazy feeling called speed. The car was quick. Death came quicker, and grief will flow in torrents for their families.

Sunday's accident is one of the many that have been reported on Dubai's roads. Speeding and tailgating are the main causes highway tragedies, according to Dubai Police, who say younger drivers are causing the most damage. Patience is in short supply and awareness campaigns do not seem to be reaching the targeted audiences, or motorists are simply unwilling to pay heed in their quest to stay ahead of the pack.

Traffic officials say 16,300 offences are committed on the country's roads daily. In the first 10 months of last year, the Ministry of Interior recorded 4.9 million violations, most of them caused by speeding (84 per cent). Many drivers make do without seatbelts. There were 118,637 recorded cases last year. Illegal overtaking and jumping red lights are other common offences. More speed radars are being installed on the highways, but motorists simply pay the fines and speed on. They flash cash to power their fast drives, but are flirting with death. Late nights and early mornings are more dangerous as drivers in muscle cars feel empowered. The law should crack down on these demon drivers and repeat offenders must be kept off the roads. Their licences should be withdrawn. Police patrols must be stepped up. We cannot afford to lose people to this insanity called speed.