Clampdown on part time drivers DTCM plans new regulations to reduce accidents
A rise in the number of fatal accidents during desert safaris has prompted the authorities to take a close look at tour operators and hotels, asking them not to use part-time drivers who lack training and experience.
"As there is a huge demand, some people take up part-time jobs as safari drivers to earn money during the peak [holiday] season," said Khalid bin Sulayem, Director General at Dubai Depart ment of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
He said DTCM is planning new regulations to help prevent accidents during safaris. "There is a whole new package that includes technical and professional aspects such as new vehicles, safety equipment, the type of changes required for cars and issues concerning the licensing process." Khalid Saeed bin Touq, Manager of Licensing and Classification at DTCM, said: "During the peak season, many tour operators hire part-time drivers who use their cars without any proper safety equipment.
"The tour operators rent a vehicle and a driver, give the clients vouchers to the safaris... but without any safety protection.
"The client is not aware of this. They think they have the right car, the correct equipment and everything is fine. But this has led to a number of fatal accidents." But according to bin Touq, compared to the number of safaris organised in the coun try, the number of accidents is not very high.
However, Amjed M Qureshi, Operations Manager at Emirates Desert Tourism, said: "I know of at least five accidents in February alone. Anybody can get a safari licence and can get their [four-wheel drive] vehicles registered for desert safaris, if they have all the safety equipment. But it is more than just that. A lot of things, including the driver's safari experience and attitude, are very important." Explaining how part-time safari drivers work, Qureshi, who has been in the industry for more than 15 years, said when a guest checks into a hotel, the concierge or the bell boys, who get some commission from the part-time drivers, pass on their phone numbers to the guest.
The guest finds the safari rates cheaper than those offered by the hotel.
The "freelancer", on the other hand, has a tie-up with tour operators who find it too expensive to insure their vehicles. The insurance costs about Dh12,000 per vehicle.
By Shabina Khan
Emirates Today 2006
