Roads kill more
It is good that the UAE has taken a tough stance against people driving without a licence ("Tough new traffic law aims to reduce road deaths," Gulf News, February 19).
I was shocked to find that more people died in car accidents than in conflict zones in the past year.
Additionally, it is interesting to note that bird flu killed 227 people ever since it was detected five years ago, while road deaths have killed an estimated six million people in the same amount of time.
From Mr Guillaume Sabourin
Dubai
Brand conscious
I find it great that Gulf News recently carried a comment by Ahmad Zahzah on branding ("On branding", February 18). It is true that most people in society revolve around brands.
The fact that a one brand of fast food can be located right opposite another branded burger outlet and yet attract customers is amazing.
I could drive down Karama and buy a shirt for Dh10 but slap on a designer logo and the price gets just multiplied by 20.
I just find it so superficial and hilarious how brand-conscious certain people are, even if it means forking out thousands in cash for something materialistic.
From Mr Uday Singh
Dubai
All talk, no action
The world has reached a stage where we rely a lot on oil ("Oil continues to advance on supply concerns", Gulf News, February 19).
We cannot continue misusing oil in this manner - with rising prices; soon people won't be able to afford oil.
I think there are better, more efficient ways that we could use to provide fuel for transport.
For example, a lot has been talked about using solar power, but has anyone really stepped up to make the idea a worldwide reality?
From Mr Taylor Hussey
Dubai
Bait for fraud
This is with reference to the complaint to Gulf News by Mr Amir Khosrow ("Not my own", February 19).
The advice given by the bank to the complainant that people with credit cards should take reasonable precaution is invalid. In some outlets, the customer copy will have the full number and the expiry date.
The numbers can be easily memorised by any fraudster at the counter.
In some cases, the cashier writes some numbers on the merchant copy of the transaction. Thereby the employee of the merchant establishment will also have full details.
From Ms Rama Srivatsa
Dubai
Facts unknown
In order to avoid credit card fraud, banks, while accepting the bill payment, should ask for details that are not mentioned in the credit card.
This is imperative as otherwise the credit card details could be easily known by anyone, including bank staff.
From Mr N. S. Masoud
Dubai
Only place to play
This is with reference to the letter to Gulf News by Mr Riaz Naik ("Changing times", Gulf News, February 19).
It is natural that teenagers would use the Ittihad Park to play, as it is the only park in the vicinity.
As long as no harm's caused to any visitors, there should be no problem with it.
In fact, it would be ideal if the authorities would encourage this practice.
From Mr Suyog Pradhan
Dubai
More seats
This is a humble request to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to arrange for special female-only buses, at least during peak hours.
Imagine waiting for an hour only to find that the huge bus allocates only 12 seats for females, while the rest are for males.
If women-only buses cannot be introduced, then at least reserve more seats in the regular buses. This would be of great help to the ever-increasing number of female commuters.
From Ms Mary
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Prohibit firearms
I believe that any individual on medication should not be permitted to own a firearm.
We live in a world where many people are born with illnesses that require serious medication.
These medications usually alter behaviour that can be a threat to others. Even the most peaceful and normal person who has an illness can lose control.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
A voice
Since 1998, major killings at US schools and universities have mostly occurred at the hands of sullen, angry, and disturbed students.
In this age of isolation, more time is spent watching television and using the internet, as opposed to spending time with family.
Depression and rage are often seen in teenagers and young adults, who seem to be more isolated and dangerous.
Many of these young killers are bullied and abused as children, and these killing sprees serve as revenge.
Perhaps by giving these troubled adolescents a voice, we can ensure the safety of other children at universities and schools.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Great concern
The recent shooting incidents that have taken place in the US, especially in educational institutions, are cause for great concern.
A large number of expatriate students who go abroad for a successful future are threatened by this madness.
Universities in the US need to take firm action and provide compensation to the families of the victims.
In many cases, when students are sent abroad to study, their parents stake everything to secure their child's education.
Nothing on Earth can make up for the death of an individual, but getting financial relief would ease the burden on families.
From Ms Anita Nanda
Dubai
