The UAE has become the first country in the GCC to lower the minimum age to obtain a driving license to 17 (Saseendran). Previously, to hold a driving license for cars one had to be 18 years old. This is seen by some as a positive change as it grants teenagers more freedom and responsibility. Some 17 year olds are in university as well and having access to personal transportation can be important.

Danger of Lowering the Driving Age

There are fears associated with lowering the driving age. Critics believe that young drivers should not be on the road because they are not mature or responsible enough. Hence, the argument is that they are more likely to make riskier choices on the road which ultimately makes it a more dangerous environment for everyone. There are also statistics which seem to indicate that younger drivers are more likely to get into fatal crashes, however, it could just be the nature of driving which means that the newest drivers are more likely to have higher crash rates due their lack of experience (Habas). Therefore, it may not be indicative of an issue with 16 year old drivers but rather just that they are the newest drivers on the road. Those accidents could potentially be attributed to 18 year olds if the minimum driving age increased in the areas reported on.

Cultural Reality

What is important to note is that a lack of license does not stop many young drivers. Many people start driving before they get their license, and in remote areas the need for transportation means people start driving at quite a young age (Tesorero). Acknowledging this cultural reality is important because it means that legislation can be developed around it.

Further, 25% of Dubai cases registered against minors in 2020 were related to underage driving (Al Amir). The facts show us that underage driving is still a prevalent problem. Moreover, although traffic deaths have reduced by two thirds due to tougher laws and pro-active policing, road accidents are still the leading cause of death of children in Abu Dhabi (Bhandari; Safety & Traffic Solutions Committee). By reducing the minimum age requirement, the UAE government is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that underage drivers have the appropriate education to make sure that they are not a danger to themselves or others on the road. This can help make the UAE’s roads safer as 17 year olds no longer need to illegally drive but can apply for their license and receive formal training.

Examining the Debate Through a Different Content

The different reactions to the decree-law center around whether there is an understanding of the reality of the situation. An acknowledgement of the fact that underage drivers exist and will continue driving without the required education is important to have an holistic understanding of how the topic should be tackled. Even if there were no underage drivers, there are arguments for lowering the minimum driving age. However, seeing as underage driving is an issue, it raises the question of whether the law should legislate for them or not.

This same conflict can be seen when it comes to abortion rights. For instance, in 2022 when Roe v Wade was overturned in the US and the court held there was no constitutional right to abortion, several states adopted laws that limited access to abortions (Britannica). However, a study found that restricting abortion did not reduce abortion rates and that countries where abortion was broadly legal and countries where it was completely prohibited had similar abortion rates (Doucleff). The need for abortion does not vanish when abortion is made illegal, it just means that the routes to access abortion are not legal and can be unsafe.

Hence, restricting abortions does not prevent it from happening but it does make it more unsafe. The WHO has found that when abortion is legal 90% of abortions happen safely, but when it is restricted then only 25% happen safely (Doucleff). Similarly, ignoring underage drivers in the UAE would not mean that they do not drive, and clearly the fact that it is illegal has not completely abolished the practice. Instead, regulating underage driving and ensuring that they are trained means that the drivers and everyone else will be safer.

Class Implications

In both driving and abortions, there are also class implications to consider. When it comes to underage driving, those who come from privileged backgrounds are more capable of paying the heavy fines. Similarly, when it comes to abortions, those seeking it in places where it is banned are likely to travel elsewhere where it is legal and this is more accessible to those who are wealthy.

As a result, lowering the driving age in the UAE should be considered as the right move. It will help reduce traffic accidents by ensuring that underage drivers are able to apply for a license and will receive the necessary training.