Heartbreaking news
I find it horrifying to read about tragic accidents, but when it involves infants and children, it is even more heartbreaking ("Girls run over by car in RAK succumb to injuries", Gulf News, February 25).
Time and again, I have read similar articles in the newspaper, and several such incidents still remain fresh in my memory.
The authorities need to look into this matter and implement stiff penalties on all the people responsible for transporting school children safely to their homes.
It makes sense that when motorists see a school bus stopping, they should reduce speed as a precautionary measure.
Surely the driver of the car should have known this!
From Mr Zahoor Shah
Dubai
Unsafe bus stops
The tragic accident that took the lives of two pupils is shocking. Incidents such as these have been occurring for some time now, due to the negligence of bus drivers and caretakers.
The authorities and schools should take stringent measures to put a stop to reckless and unsafe behaviour and to safeguard the lives of pupils.
In the US, strict laws are in place that force traffic to halt in order to allow pupils to cross the road.
Flashing lights at bus stops usually warn motorists of pupils crossing.
From Ms Jessie D'Costa
Dubai
Disaster zone
I remember two horrible collisions that occurred last year on the Airport Road near Cargo Village.
The area has been prone to accidents for two reasons: firstly, motorists rarely give way to pedestrians, as the lane has no stoplights to warn drivers.
Secondly, the pedestrian bridge nearby has been under construction for more than a year now.
Can't the authorities concerned create necessary solutions to stop further loss of lives and limbs in that disaster zone?
From Ms Tina V. Oliveros
Dubai
Allow practice
As a newcomer to Dubai, I often find that the hot topic of discussion when meeting someone here is whether anyone succeeded in acquiring a driving licence.
Sure enough, when I started taking lessons, I realised immediately why it is such a challenge to get one here.
It is because you have to rely on driving lessons only, without getting a chance to practice by using a learner's licence, as in other countries.
Perhaps the Roads and Transport Authority could allow certain timings and special lanes for learners to practise.
It will help decrease the failure rate and the long waiting period.
From Ms Anita Nanda
Dubai
Big difference
Ten years ago, when people were complaining about higher telephone charges, the telecom provider's usual reply was that corresponding countries such as India and Sri Lanka were unwilling to reduce their charges, and therefore they could not reciprocate.
Now those countries have drastically reduced their phone charges but rates here still remain high.
It costs Rs2 (25 fils) to send an international phone text message from Sri Lanka to UAE, but the same message from UAE costs 90 fils.
How can such a drastic price difference exist?
From Mr Shabir Zain Al Deen
Abu Dhabi
Naive world
I completely agree with the letter from Mr C. Rudd, which stated that the media has taken control of more aspects of our lives than we are willing to accept ("Taking control", Gulf News, February 25).
As a civilisation, if we were not so naive to believe everything we see, hear or read, the world would be a very different place, indeed.
From Ms Ineke D'Souza
Dubai
Comparatively good
The number of vehicles in Abu Dhabi has more than doubled in the last seven years ("Abu Dhabi streets feel the strain as vehicles double", Gulf News, February 25).
However, as a resident of the capital for the past 18 years, I can say that we are happy with our traffic situation when we compare it to Dubai.
Still, although our situation is much better, it won't hurt if the authorities here take note of the increasing traffic.
It would help if they take the right measures to avoid a fate similar to other cities!
From Mr Badrul Bilal
Abu Dhabi
Empowered in UAE
Time and again, women have proved that they play a pivotal role in society ("Empowering women to become a driving force in UAE society", Gulf News, February 25).
Unfortunately, in many places around the world, women are considered to be second-class citizens even today.
However, as a woman, I can say with confidence that females are given their due rights in the UAE.
Where else can we feel safe after dark, work on an equal basis with men, and be able to survive independently?
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
Rule breakers
I am glad to hear that the Ministry of Interior is trying its best to control traffic violations ("Black points await errant drivers", Gulf News, February 25).
I have experienced vehicles suddenly changing lanes without indicating, even though they pose a high risk to motorists - especially when they are with their family or children.
Instead of maintaining an average distance, these offenders keep at a far distance and drive very slowly on purpose.
I think 70 per cent of violators today are youngsters, 15 per cent are taxis and the remaining are drivers of pick-up trucks and buses.
From Mr Akeel
Dubai
Penalty and reward
The introduction of black points is a good initiative to change the attitude of rash drivers.
Attitudes can only change if there is a cause for fear or some sort of reward. In this case, penalties will be posed in the form of harsh fines, withdrawal of licences and jail time.
There are however, some people who continue to abide by the rules and respect the laws.
I believe the authorities should also encourage law-abiding drivers by providing them with some sort of a prize.
This joint initiative, when put into practice, could prove to be a grand success.
From Mr Bal Bains
Abu Dhabi
