FNC members prepare to discuss lowered driving age

Federal National Council members are in disagreement over a law to lower the legal driving age to 17.

Faisal Al Tunaiji, FNC member from Ras Al Khaimah, agreed with the proposed law to lower the driving age, but said that he would like the children to be supervised at all times. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
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ABU DHABI // Federal National Council members are divided over a proposed law to lower the driving age by one year to 17.

The Federal Traffic Council’s approval of the change was welcomed by some FNC members, while others feared there could be a surge in traffic accidents caused by younger drivers.

Ali Jassim (Umm Al Quwain) said even though the age would only be lowered by one year, it could be harmful.

“I would have liked it not to change, particularly in light of the rising number of traffic accidents and road deaths,” Mr Jassim said. “With this, no doubt the number of road accidents will increase.”

Rashad Bukhash (Dubai) agreed and said the law could also affect school grades.

“I expect an increase in traffic accidents with this,” Mr Bukhash said. “It will also affect their schooling since they might still be in secondary at the age of 17 and care more about driving then their education.”

But others backed the law, saying it would lower underage driving.

“I approve of this,” Salim bin Hwidan (Sharjah) said. “There are many who drive without a licence but if I give them a temporary licence at the age of 17 that would be better.”

Mosabeh Al Kitbi (Sharjah) said those who drove without a licence tended to speed away from police, which led to accidents.

“Allowing them to get a legal licence will stop this from happening,” Mr Al Kitbi said.

Members agreed discussion of the law when it was handed to the FNC would be heated.

Some said they would ensure that conditions were added before passing the law on to the Cabinet.

“I agree with the age reduction,” said Faisal Al Tunaiji (Ras Al Khaimah). “Today we already see a number of children driving without a licence but I would like them to be supervised at all times.”

He said the licence should be temporary until the driver reached 20.

“The Middle Eastern mentality is that a car is not a means of transport but an accessory,” Mr Al Tunaiji said. “Therefore, there must be conditions under which someone at the age of 17 can get a licence.”

Salem Al Ameri (Abu Dhabi) said the licence should be a different colour and 17-year-old drivers should be restricted to certain areas.

“It should also be revoked upon any traffic violations committed,” Mr Al Ameri said. “And when the driver is 18, the licence can be a permanent licence.

“These conditions are very important because if they are driving without a licence anyway, at least they are driving with fear. Giving them a licence could give them an unwanted boost.”

Ahmad Aahli (Dubai) said families would have to play a part in ensuring the law succeeded.

“Parents must prepare children for this and not just rely on the Government,” Mr Aahli said.

He said parents could install speed controls and there should be limits to the size of engines.

osalem@thenational.ae