By Aghaddir Ali

Copyright gulfnews

Sharjah: In today’s fast-paced world, many of us feel trapped in a race against time. The temptation to press harder on the accelerator to reach a destination a few minutes earlier is strong—but is it really worth the risk?A recent investigation, supported by a field experiment conducted by Sharjah Police in cooperation with the Sharjah Broadcast Authority, offers a clear answer: those seven minutes could cost you everything..Caught on camera: Dubai Police expose reckless drivers in speeding crackdown. Sharjah Police experimentTo test the effects of speeding, Sharjah Police ran a real-life experiment on a 34-kilometre highway. Drivers travelled the same distance at three different speeds:100 km/h – about 20 minutes120 km/h – about 17 minutes140 km/h – about 13 minutesThe difference was striking. Driving 40 km/h faster saved only seven minutes compared with driving at 100 km/h. Even between 120 km/h and 140 km/h, the difference was just four minutes..Indian expat couple in UAE thank Sharjah Police after dramatic desert rescue near Dubai border. Major Saud Al Shaibi, Head of Awareness and Media at Sharjah Police, said: “The minutes you save on the road may be the same ones that lead to losing control of your life.”He explained that a driver’s ability to control the vehicle decreases significantly at higher speeds. Reaction time shortens, braking becomes less effective, and handling becomes more challenging. These factors dramatically increase the likelihood of severe accidents..Dubai Police enforces Dh1,000 fine for drivers stopping at accident scenes. Deadly price of speedSpeeding doesn’t just break the law—it breaks lives. Even a small mistake or sudden obstacle at high speeds can lead to disaster.Alaa Eldin Sobhi, Director of the National Institute for Traffic Safety, told Gulf News: “Traffic violations are the main gateway to road accidents, causing severe damage to society. Excessive speed is one of the most dangerous contributing factors.”Sobhi emphasised that while higher speeds slightly reduce travel time, the potential damage far outweighs any benefit—a fact clearly demonstrated by the Sharjah Police experiment..Sharjah Police seize 100 modified vehicles and 40 motorcycles in major crackdown.Sharjah Police win public trust with 98% satisfaction rating.Sharjah Police offer students up to 50% off licensing services.Sharjah residents speak out on road safety: Police hear daily frustrations.Risks of speeding
High speeds amplify risks:Greater vehicle damage in crashes Less time to react in emergencies Reduced manoeuvrability
Poorer peripheral vision during sharp turns or overtaking
Psychologically, some drivers feel pressured to reach destinations quickly, influenced by daily stress or a desire to outperform others on the road. But this urge can lead to serious risks: high speed reduces the time available to make correct decisions, increasing the chances of accidents.

Sharjah Police statistics are sobering. In 2023 alone, speed was a major factor in 308 accidents causing deaths and serious injuries. In 2024, the authorities recorded a 24% decrease compared with the previous year, thanks to awareness campaigns and enforcement.
Safer choice
Whether you’re hurrying to a meeting or rushing home, remember: no destination is worth a life. Plan your trip
Leave a little earlier
Respect the speed limit
Because arriving safely will always be more important than arriving quickly.