Kuwait: Drivers see increase in reckless driving
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Apr 2016
Respondents to a survey on driving in Kuwait feel that there is more reckless driving behaviour now and a large increase in the incidence of distracted drivers, in spite of improvements in road infrastructure. While the government works hard to improve road facilities, the driving culture is seen as a big challenge.
More than one third of the respondents applaud the efforts of Kuwait government institutions to build new roads, bridges and access roads; with 35% reporting that road infrastructure has improved in the last six months, according to the Road Safety Monitor, commissioned by KQIC Insured (Kuwait Qatar Insurance Company).
However, the report shows there is also widespread concern about driver behaviour in Kuwait. Seventy eight per cent have experienced an increase in people speeding on the roads over the last six months, while 76% of respondents now perceive more tailgating and 87% see more distracted drivers than in last six months (for example, those who text or talk on the phone while driving. Seventy nine per cent have witnessed more abrupt lane changing – the main reason for road fatalities on Kuwait roads – and 69% believe Kuwait’s roads have become more challenging in the last six months.
Commenting on the study, Mr Hassan Al-Jaidah, CEO of KQIC, said: “The results reflect the genuine apprehensions of Kuwait residents and point towards an urgent need for all stakeholders to work together to improve safety standards on Kuwait roads. We need to create effective road safety campaigns which can help influence driving behaviour and convince motorists to adopt safe driving practices on a consistent basis.”
The Road Safety Monitor is a bi-annual survey done by YouGov for KQIC Insured to gauge driver perceptions about the roads and traffic in Kuwait. A sample of 127 residents living in Kuwait were surveyed online by YouGov in February 2016.
KQIC Insured is the retail brand of KQIC’s personal insurance arm.