Harrowing experience
In the past, I have witnessed many fatal accidents happening along Al Ittihad Road ("Police yet to identify pregnant accident victim", Gulf News, June 4).
More often than not, the victims have been people who could not afford or do not prefer taking a taxi to reach the large supermarket across the highway.
It is also a harrowing experience for drivers, as they put their own lives at risk by trying to avoid hitting pedestrians who abruptly run across the highway.
It is high time the authorities take the initiative to construct either subways or bridges to facilitate pedestrian crossing on Al Ittihad Road and other accident-prone areas.
From Mr Shyam Prasad
Dubai
Fix the fence
The road leading to Sahara Centre from Al Nahda interchange is considered a death trap for many pedestrians. Several people try crossing the road to get to the shopping mall, even as vehicles drive at a speed of 100km/hr.
Although a steel fence was built on the street dividers to prevent pedestrians from crossing, they still find ways to get over the fence.
The fence should be repaired, and a pedestrian bridge should be erected immediately.
What amazes me is the fact that such measures have still not been taken, even after serious pedestrian-related accidents in the area.
From Mr Karam A. Noufal
Sharjah
Narrow escape
I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to consider erecting barricades on Baniyas Road in Deira, as people cross the roads abruptly and put their own lives and the lives of motorists in danger.
There are also many sharp bends in this road, making it highly prone to accidents. I see narrow escapes in this area quite regularly.
From Mr Anjay P. Mohnot
Dubai
Too fast to stop
Since Al Ittihad Road is actually a highway, motorists using the road often drive at high speeds, making it very difficult for them to stop in time to let pedestrians cross.
As a Sharjah resident, I have often wondered why people risk their lives trying to cross the busy road, and why the authorities have not yet realised the need for a pedestrian crossing in the area.
How many more tragic accidents will it take for the message to get through?
From Mr Lloyd Richards
Sharjah
Easy access
It is a known fact that when people live near shopping malls, they prefer going to it instead of to malls at further distances.
Residents living in Al Wahda Street for instance, find it very convenient to have a safe pedestrian crossing at hand so that they can access the mall on the opposite side of the busy road.
I live right opposite Sahara Centre, but my children and I have to wait for my husband to come home so that he can drive us to the mall.
I urge the authorities to create pedestrian bridges or subways to provide us with easy access.
From Ms Sarah
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Dangerous streets
The problem of pedestrian crossings exists in Abu Dhabi as well. Many lives have been lost on Musaffah Road and Sila Road, as there are no facilities for pedestrians.
These streets are very dangerous, yet the authorities have not taken any action.
From Mr Ishaq Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Unsafe subways
I have complained to the authorities about providing safe pedestrian crossings for the past two years, but my complaints have fallen on deaf ears.
If preventative measures were taken in time, such accidents could have been avoided.
Additionally, studies should be conducted on existing subways, such as the ones on Al Wahda Street, which I suspect are unsafe because they do not have ramps at their entry points to facilitate mothers with strollers or people using wheelchairs.
Also, mischievous children can easily run into the oncoming traffic, as there are no protective barricades.
From Mr Mohammad Arif
Sharjah
No one cares
I live in Al Nahda and each time I cross the road, I feel I am putting my life in danger. It seems no one ever thinks about pedestrians and how they are expected to get around the city.
There are no pedestrian bridges over major roads and traffic lights often do not have pedestrian crossings as well.
Additionally, no sidewalks exist, too, so people cannot even walk safely along the streets.
Quick and serious action is necessary to curb the increasing number of pedestrian accidents.
From Ms Bassma Fadil
Sharjah
Distracted youth
Students these days are watching television and playing computer games more than usual. My friend is addicted to his television and computer, and it prevents him from concentrating on his studies. I know of many people who are trying to quit this horrible habit. It is really bizarre how technology can change everything. Parents should be aware of the time their children spend on the internet and are watching shows on television.
From Ms Elie Broumana
UAE
Automatic signals
The size of bus shelters in Dubai is quite small, compared to the number of people using public transport ("Bus shelters keep public cool despite faulty doors", Gulf News, June 3). Studies should have been conducted before the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approved their design. I recommend that there be an automated method to signal the bus driver that someone is waiting inside the bus shelter. This would ensure that the bus stops to pick up the passenger. Otherwise, passengers are forced to stand on the roadside and wave for the bus to stop.
From Mr Santhosh Jose
Dubai
Time will tell
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) initiative to provide passengers with air-conditioned bus shelters is worth appreciating. This project should have been introduced a long time ago, but it's better late than never. However, I find the bus shelters to be very small and quite congested. The bus shelters' limited design is not suitable for the rapidly increasing population of Dubai. I am sure passengers will face the problem of overcrowded bus shelters in the near future. Only time will tell.
From Mr Kazhi Ala'a Al Deen
UAE
Solution for staff
Every day, the frequency and intensity of traffic congestions around the city are increasing. I think there is only one way to control this problem. Companies with more than 10 staff members should provide for the accommodation of their employees in a selected area and should arrange for their transportation to the workplace and back. Bigger companies should provide for accommodation close to their offices. This move could be implemented through a ministerial decree.
From Mr Bijo Vidyadharan
Dubai
