Opinion | Letters
July 23, 2008
Letter to the Editor.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:03 July 23, 2008
Right of way for pedestrians
I appreciate Dubai Police's initiative of trying to reduce accidents by apprehending jaywalkers ("Dubai Police charge 415 jaywalkers in three weeks", Gulf News, July 19). However, I have observed that in Dubai, most drivers are neither concerned about pedestrians nor do they pay heed to the rules of pedestrian crossings. In other countries, irrespective of a traffic light, drivers stop to give pedestrians way. I have rarely seen this happen in Dubai. I hope the authorities would also focus on disciplining motorists along with jaywalkers.
From Mr Carlos B. Lucas
Dubai
Jaywalking is an offence
Jaywalking in Canada is an offence that is punishable by law. People have to be educated to cross at designated pedestrian crossings and must take the rules seriously. Canadian cities such as Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) even have electronic numbering systems placed just below the 'Walk' sign to make it easier for both motorists and pedestrians.
From A Reader
Ontario, Canada
Name withheld by request
Painted stripes
In most countries, motorists and pedestrians respect zebra crossings as a legitimate point from where one can get to the other side of the road. However, in the UAE, they are nothing more than painted stripes. There are motorists who speed towards pedestrians if they see them on the pedestrian crossing. Some flash their headlights and others blow their car horns as they speed inches past the pedestrians. The authorities should penalise drivers who do not stop at pedestrian crossings.
From Mr Zeeshan Dogar
Ontario, Canada
Mutual understanding
Responsibility and awareness on part of pedestrians is as necessary as educating reckless motorists. With increasing numbers of pedestrians and the rapid development of main roads in Dubai, pedestrians need to understand the rights of motorists. Teaching road etiquette to motorists is also paramount to ensuring safety in the city's roads. Additionally, more zebra crossings are required in many urban areas in Dubai.
From A Reader
Washington, USA
Name withheld by request
Losing direction
In order to visit a friend in Sharjah, I took the Sanaia Road and reached Umm Khanoor without any hassles or confusion. However, the decision to take the same route on the way back turned out to be a nightmare. There was no way I could get on to the Sanaia Road, as there were no road markings towards Emirates Road. Extremely long detours without any markings or street lights made it even more difficult to find way. Based on my training with the military in my country, I kept my direction towards the South-west and somehow managed to reach Dubai.
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai
Shorter exits
I thank Gulf News for highlighting the traffic problems faced by residents of International City ("Dubai International City traffic worsening," Gulf News, July 19). If the authorities could open another road just before the present petrol station in Aweer, it could connect with the roundabout near the UK cluster. This would reduce the traffic movement in front of Dragon Mart, to a great extent. Similarly, the traffic exit leading towards Al Khor road is very long. A bigger roundabout in front of Dragon Mart on the Oman - Hatta road would reduce a lot of hurdles.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Fatal lock
I do not agree that speedometers in buses must be locked to a maximum speed ("Reckless bus drivers must get stiff fines," Gulf News, July 18). Drivers need to accelerate to avoid accidents. A locked speedometer, in this manner, could be fatal. The authorities must consider the consequences before finalising any such ideas. The only solution for reckless drivers is to ban them from driving.
From Ms Mariam
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Overcharged
Some taxi drivers cannot be trusted, as I discovered a few days ago. I was waiting in queue for a taxi at a mall's taxi stand. When my turn came, I asked the driver if he knew the directions to my destination. He replied in the affirmative. The entire way, he kept on complaining about the traffic to Dubai and demanded that I pay him more money. I had no choice, as he would have refused to go further. On reaching my destination, I paid him Dh45, instead of the metered Dh25 fare
From Mr Elie Broumana
Dubai
Society's culture
Gulf News's recent report on clothing and living patterns of expatriates in Dubai was very significant ("Mind your language, behaviour and dress in the UAE", Gulf News, July 19). It was a decision that should have been taken much earlier. The main factor that decides the culture of a society is nothing but the pattern of clothing and attitudes towards each other. Such laws are welcome, and expatriates should ensure that they obey the rules and regulations of the society. Otherwise, punishment is inevitable.
From Mr Mohammad Saif Al Deen
Dubai
Drivers should know to read
It is so sad to read about the increasing number of young people losing their lives in traffic accidents. My observation is there are many drivers, who cannot read and write either English or Arabic. How can they be expected to follow instructions if they cannot understand the signboards? The authorities should make it mandatory for drivers to read and follow road signs and instructions.
From Ms Azizunnisa S.
Abu Dhabi
Rising costs
The Roads and Transport Authority should increase the number of public buses to Jebel Ali. It will help to cut down on the number of private vehicles. Private carriers exploit commuters by regularly increasing their charges. In 1999, I used to pay Dh225 for private bus transport, but today, I pay Dh650.
From Ms Janet
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
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