Not worth it
Last weekend my father and I were walking along the pavement when we witnessed a driver losing control of his car at a traffic light while trying to make a left turn.
As a result, he drove onto a pavement, uprooting a pole before ramming into a car that was parked nearby. I got very scared. Had we been walking on the same pavement a few minutes earlier, we would have been victims of road rage.
I hope everyone realises that the extra minutes saved in driving fast could also result in fatal accidents. People should remember that there are loved ones waiting for them at home. It's not worth speeding!
From Ms Rania Fernandes
Abu Dhabi
Done for a decade
I have been an employee of a Dubai-based company for the past three months, before which I was working in Kuwait for 16 years. I have had a Kuwaiti driving licence for 15 years and I am considered a safe driver.
However, during a recent driving test in Dubai, I was failed. I do not understand why and this incident has really upset me. The question - is having experience in driving for more than a decade not enough to qualify for a licence?
From Mr Haneefa
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Prevention
I have noticed that mini-buses are being used more frequently for passenger transport. In South Africa, these were the staple transport for the working classes and also resulted in many horrible deaths.
I notice here that the drivers of these vehicles have the same penchant for speeding, overloading, ducking and diving and stopping suddenly to offload passengers.
Without the involvement of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), we will begin to see the kind of disastrous accidents that I spent a lot of years attending to as a paramedic.
From Ms Katherine Nash
Dubai
New nest
Recently we received a letter of notice that all occupants of our residential locality needed to vacate within a set period of time.
The reason stated was that a new set of villas had to be built while the existing ones needed maintenance. I was confused by the reasons provided. Later, we discovered that a new landlord was to take over and had decided to clear the area, resorting to cutting the electricity and water if we did not vacate.
I am still trying my best to find a suitable place soon as searching for new apartments is very difficult. I love the place we live in as it is very peaceful.
From Ms Johanna Galay
UAE
Delighted
It came as a delight to avid book readers that Dubai has organised a festival for used books ("Used Book Festival is a success story for avid readers in Dubai," Gulf News, February 25).
In a generation where children grow up glued to television, watching mindless shows, the reading culture is almost sinking into oblivion. Hope this festival serves as an eye opener to everyone that "reading maketh a man".
From Ms Meera Sunod
Dubai
A matter of time
The theme is laid, stage set and political horses readied ("25 independent lawmakers join Sharif in Punjab", Gulf News, February 27).
The desperate and often politically naïve common people are banking on a new coalition Pakistan government to resolve key issues such as shortage in the supply of wheat, through-the-roof food and fuel prices, frequent power failures due to a national energy crisis and other such losses.
Opinions cannot be suppressed forever just as debates cannot be buried or public opinion swayed. It is simply a question of time, not one of self-doubt and negativity.
From Mr Adel Khan
Dubai
Do away with
I just dozed off while reading yet another monotonous tirade from Opinion writer Linda Heard. So repetitious is she that I can generally identify the tone by around the middle of the first paragraph.
Impartiality is clearly not a word familiar to Heard and, like me, she must have fallen asleep during the lesson in journalism class about writing articles free of prejudice and personal agenda.
As an avid Gulf News reader for over 18 years, I implore you to save us from further exposure to her discriminatory views and opinions. Her articles certainly do no service to what is otherwise an excellent, professional and rewarding newspaper to read.
From Mr Craig Miller
Sharjah
Endangering lives
At a recent driving test, I was disappointed to see the difference in treatment rendered to three applicants. The instructor passed the candidate who did not use the indicator when needed and was oblivious to basic rules.
He was driving so dangerously that he almost had an accident. By issuing licences to such drivers, the authorities endanger the lives of other motorists and commuters on the road. Such incidents raise doubts about the integrity of the examiners.
From Mr Ahmad M.
Dubai
Ridiculous
I recently saw a school bus driver asking an eight-year-old girl to cross the road. I was screaming on the other side as I saw another car driving up. Fortunately, the car slowed down.
However, I couldn't help thinking how ridiculous the school bus driver was. He should have walked the child to the footpath in order to ensure his safety. But all he did was look at her in the mirror.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
