Evaluating impact of demerit points system on speeding behavior of drivers

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to evaluate the immediate impact of the demerit points system on speeding behavior of drivers
in Al Ain. Al Ain is the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates, located about 120 Km from Dubai.

MethodsThe spot speed data of randomly selected vehicles using speed guns was collected from three major arterial urban roads.The
data was collected three months before and three months after the implementation of the demerit points system. The free flow
conditions were considered during the data collection. The data was analyzed using SPSS program.

Results and ConclusionsThe results revealed that the demerit points system has statistically no significant impact on the speeding behavior of drivers
in Al Ain. One of the plausible reasons for insignificance affect of the demerit point system could be the lack of effective
traffic monitoring system. This study recommends that to influence the drivers’ behavior an effective traffic monitoring system
should be provided to achieve the desired outcomes of introducing tougher laws such as demerit point system. The study also
recommends to collect more data to investigate the changes in the speeding behavior of drivers.

KeywordsDriver behavior-Demerit points-Speeding-Road safety