Tailgating 'doesn't make sense', says UAE motorist

Motorists talk to The National about what it's like driving in the UAE.

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Events manager Zoe Taylor, who commutes every day, thinks staying the same lane is difficult.

"I try to keep in the slower lanes because all the cars think the fast lane is obviously the fastest but sometimes they are all tailgating each other, which I hate," said the 29-year-old. "The worst thing is when some joker shoots up on the inside hard shoulder with no regard for anyone else. I spend more time looking behind me than I do in front sometimes."

Another motorist, Eddie Robinson, a 38-year-old engineer from Britain, prefers to keep to the fast lane.

"It's fine when everyone goes at the same speed but it can get really stressful when I'm tailgated and high-beamed when there is no room for me to pull over," he said. "It just doesn't make sense and the car causing the slow up on the fast lane is about four or five cars ahead."

Both motorists believe the standard of driving has improved over the past few years, with fewer major accidents causing delays.

"I always see the police pulling over dangerous drivers," said Mr Robinson. "What I've noticed at rush hour though, is when the police leave their flashing lights on at the side of the road, all the cars slow down - probably to rubberneck - and as a result, cause a massive jam."

* Eugene Harnan