Friday, Jan 14, 2011
Gulf News
Peer pressure, need to show off growing among youngsters, psychiatrists say
Dubai Thrill-seeking is common among adolescents as they need to ‘show off’ their skills, said a psychiatrist, adding that many think of speeding as a sport.
“It’s a sort of an addiction, but not in the same league as alcohol,” said Dr N.K. Dhar, psychiatrist with Jumeirah Prime Medical Centre. He said teenagers tend to be over-confident and believe they are in control (of their cars) as they go barrelling down Shaikh Zayed Road.
“They don’t realise they are a danger to themselves and others,” said the doctor, adding that honking and flashing lights at those in front are dangerous distractions on a busy highway.
No outlet
The psychiatrist believes there are not enough outlets for the youth in the country and purchasing a fast car and modifying the engine to have it run even faster is much easier here. “There are not enough playing fields and many people are affluent,” he said.
A popular TV programme aired by MTV has also caught the imagination of many petrol heads. In this programme a garage takes a beat-up old car and turns it into a zippy hot-rodding monster free of charge. A hot-rod is a vehicle that is modified to run faster.
Another psychiatrist believes that since teens are not mature enough they are unable to gauge the consequences of their actions.
Dr Padamraju Varrey, senior psychologist with NMC Speciality Hospital, said among boys it is common to show off their sense of adventure. “The source of expression is different here,” he said, about driving dangerously fast on the roads.
“Boys tend to like things that move fast, as cars and planes,” he said. The psychiatrist said they also tend to identify with the sports the media plays up, as Formula car racing.
Dangerous habit
The psychiatrist also attributed the dangerous sport of driving fast on roads to peer pressure. “Expensive cars are easily affordable here,” he said.
In many instances one can see expensive luxury cars chasing each other on the highways as the drivers try to take the lead.
AHMED RAMZAN/Gulf News
Engine tuning
Workshops in Ajman and Sharjah undertake a lot of work from enthusiasts who want their vehicles modified.
Supplied picture
Dr N.K. Dhar
Supplied picture
Dr Padamraju Varrey
By Mahmood ?Saberi ?Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
