Driver honoured for 21 perfect years on UAE roads

Tonsy Ali, a 58-year-old Egyptian expatriate, attributes his stellar driving record to discipline and proper road behaviour.

Tonsy Ali’s impressive driving record and impeccable road manners have led to a traffic safety honour. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

ABU DHABI // Some may find it hard to maintain a clean driving record but not Tonsy Ali, who has driven in the UAE for 21 years without an accident.
"It's funny because friends often tease me that I must be carrying my car around wherever I go," said the 58-year-old Egyptian football coach for Al Wahda FC.
Mr Ali worked in Fujairah before moving to Abu Dhabi in 2000. He also maintained an accident-free driving record for nine years in Dammam and Al Khobar, in Saudi Arabia.
He attributes his stellar safety record to discipline and proper driving behaviour, showing respect for other road users and adhering to traffic rules. His safe and responsible driving was recognised at the start of Gulf Traffic Week by Abu Dhabi Police's Traffic and Patrols Directorate. He was named Outstanding Male Driver and received a medal and a certificate.
He said he has had his share of close calls, with motorists tailgating and making sudden lane changes.
"I encounter aggressive drivers every day," said Mr Ali, who drives from his home in Baniyas to his workplace in Shahama.
"I simply give way to them. Alhamdullilah, I haven't been involved in an accident for 30 years."
Excessive speed, using mobile phones while driving, tailgating, driving without a seatbelt, adjusting the radio and sudden swerving are some of traffic offences he encounters daily.
"Taxi drivers are the most dangerous drivers but passengers should also be blamed for their last-minute direction changes," he said. "The drivers of school minibuses often drive recklessly while drivers of the bigger buses are more cautious and show respect for the traffic rules."
Unlike drivers with a need for speed, Mr Ali sticks to the posted speed limit despite the 20kph buffer.
He often wonders why people drive at speeds in excess of 200kph, putting them at risk of collision.
"We should think of the impact on the victim or the family in a high-speed accident," said Mr Ali, who has three sons, aged 37, 35 and 23, and six grandchildren. "The problem is people do not plan ahead and tend to rush to get somewhere."
The penalties for exceeding the speed limit by more than 60kph is vehicle impoundment for more than a month, 12 black points and a Dh1,000 fine.
"Radar cameras are there for a reason – to deter speeding and reckless driving," Mr Ali said. "I don't think they're a money-making scheme."
Defensive drivers need to anticipate the mistakes of other road users, including cyclists, motorbike riders and pedestrians, he said.
"Most mistakes drivers make in a roundabout is to stop or cutting from the inside to the outside lane," he said. "Drivers must be aware of their surroundings, always check their mirrors, be aware of blind spots and stay focused, and anticipate errors another driver might make to avoid accidents and lower their risk behind the wheel."
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