Letters: April 19, 2012

Educate them while they’re young
It is indeed very sad that two young people died in an accident (‘Official blames speed in crash that killed two teenagers on Emirates Road’, Gulf News, April 15). It is a tendency among teenagers to drive fast and they think that the steering wheel is an extension of their arm. We have a lot of examples in front of us and now it is happening on a regular basis and we need to put a stop to it. We need to create more awareness, especially among the younger generation so that they will become more cautious. Our policy should be to educate them while they are young. Inculcate the importance of safe driving when they are young. I think this should be added as part of their curriculum in a broader perspective. If they can understand that playing with fire can hurt them, then they can understand the importance of disciplined driving.
From Mr Shivshankar K.T.
Dubai
Website comment

Safe drivers are sneered at
We need a campaign in the UAE to encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits. There seems to be a perception that if you are driving carefully (within speed limit), then you are not a good driver. Often when I am driving at 95 km/h on Shaikh Zayed Road, which is close to the speed limit, other vehicles overtake me and look at me as if I am doing something wrong. Drivers get pushed by peer pressure to drive fast.
From A Reader
Dubai
Website comment

Strict limits
This is very sad. I would like to request the police department to reduce the speed limits on highways. The limit is 120 km/h but most motorists drive up to 160km/h. I would suggest setting the radar cameras at 120km/h — if someone exceeds that limit, then they should get fined. I believe this will force motorists to drive below the speed limit, and the chances of accidents will be reduced.
From Mr Jawad
Dubai
Website comment

Be safe
Life is too short to reduce it further by speeding. Most of us at some point in our lives have driven over a speed limit. At that point it was imperative to make that appointment, catch the movie or something else that might have felt as important at that moment. However, it takes just a second for it to go all wrong, for that accident to happen. Do only young people speed? You cannot limit speeding to an age group. I’ve had people well into their middle age tailgate me in a lane because they wanted to drive faster. And woe be to those who stand in their way. So, instead of laying blame, let’s all pledge to be better and safer drivers.
From Ms Andrea Vernice
Dubai

Danger to everyone
It’s very sad to see youngsters losing their life in this way. If only the authorities could apply more stringent rules for everyone, such accidents can be avoided. May God protect us all from such tragedies.
From A Reader
Dubai
Website comment

Leave them alone
Please leave the poor departed souls alone. We have worse scenarios in our own countries, wouldn’t you agree? No one is perfect. It could have been any of us. Pray for them instead.
From Mr Ahmad Taher
Abu Dhabi
Website comment

Live and let live
Installation of speed control and speed restricting accessories is the only remedy to prevent such types of accidents. Inattentive driving, conversation with co-passengers, lack of lane discipline and disrespect of other road users are the main causes of road accidents. Patience has to be the buzzword for motorists, as it is known that speed thrills and uncontrolled speed kills. It brings damages that are beyond anyone’s imagination. Parents who lend their vehicles to youngsters should advise them to be cautious and to either have their mobile phones switched off while driving or use a hands-free accessory. Let us live and let others also live. It is better late to change than never.
From Mr Venkat S.
Dubai
Website comment

Reckless
Road accidents are one of the major causes of deaths worldwide. Motorists often drive recklessly, exceed the speed limit, jump traffic signals and do not wear their seatbelt. This takes a huge toll on both pedestrians and drivers. I live next to the beach in Sharjah where at least one accident takes place every week. The major reason for this as I have noticed is the speed at which the motorists drive and the jaywalkers who cross the road without any bother. The authorities should undertake more awareness campaigns and put up signs to instill in drivers a sense of fear and understanding. I appreciate Gulf News for carrying out campaigns that encourage drivers to adopt safe driving habits.
From Mr Uzair Adil
Sharjah
Website comment

Editor’s Note: If you would like to share your views or write to the newspaper, log on to www.gulfnews.com or e-mail us at readers@gulfnews.com