Learn and live
In my opinion, the majority of drivers on UAE roads do not have a clear knowledge of the use of multiple-lane roads (‘Man killed, 15 students hurt in Dubai road crash’, Gulf News, May 18). This leads to traffic jams and indirectly causes accidents. The message should be conveyed about the basic rule of driving on roads with multiple lanes: When approached by a faster-moving vehicle from behind, irrespective of which lane you are driving in, if the immediate slower lane is free, then you should change to that slower lane and allow the faster-moving car to pass. I have often seen that on a four-lane road, the first and second lanes are slower lanes and practically empty, with all the vehicles tailgating each other on faster lanes, leaving little space in between. There is a wrong notion among many drivers that the two slower lanes are meant only for heavy vehicles and the two faster lanes are for lighter vehicles. Hence, one would find light vehicles moving at even 60km/hr on the two faster lanes. This leads to a lot of congestion on the two faster lanes and causes inconvenience to fast-moving vehicles. They are forced to overtake through slower lanes, which might lead to major accidents. An educational campaign should run across print, visual media, and radios in different languages. I feel this will help bring change. Let us help each other create safer roads in the country and avoid unwanted loss of precious lives.
From Mr Badr Al Deen
Dubai
Risky transport
Just a few days ago, I noticed that a school bus driver wouldn’t let cars pass, even though it was their right of way to go. We nearly got hit. People pay so much money for schools, yet those involved in transporting schoolchildren can act dangerously. We are talking about the lives of little children! Be more responsible.
From Ms Iwona Marta
Dubai
Facebook comment
No sleep
Bus drivers are expected to make three trips in one day — from 4.30am to 9am, then from 12.30pm to 5pm and lastly, from 9pm to 1am. Their salary is around Dh2,500. Now, what time is left for them to rest or sleep well?
From Mr Naveed Yunus
UAE
Facebook comment
Precious cargo
It is difficult for parents to let their children travel in school buses, especially after reading reports on children who died after being forgotten in buses or injured in accidents like these. I urge schools and bus drivers to be alert, responsible and cautious when transporting children, as they truly are precious cargo. The authorities already have stringent regulations in place and must monitor school buses closely to ensure they are adhering to the rules. I have heard of a law requiring speed governors in school buses in Dubai — are these being applied across the board? What about in other emirates? Such issues should be constantly discussed and improvements must be made so that the transport system is efficient and most importantly, safe.
From Ms Alia Ali
Sharjah
Clarity needed
These bus drivers often overtake on the hard shoulder. It’s the craziest thing I’ve seen. These kinds of incidents will keep happening until clear rules are established and followed.
From Ms Alyas P.
UAE
Facebook comment
Child safety
Every year, school transportation charges are increasing, but how can school authorities assure children are safe while they are travelling in school buses?
From Ms Preena Jose
Dubai
Facebook comment
Use proper signals
This is just unacceptable. People stop on the road and most of the time they don’t even bother to put on their hazard lights. When you drive on the highway, you don’t understand from afar whether the car is parked or moving, and it’s easy to get into an accident. It happened to me once and thank God, there were no injuries. It happened not very long ago in the Tecom area of Dubai. We don’t drive fast there, so we have time to stop or slow down, but some drivers just park abruptly on the road as if they are the only ones using it.
From Ms Marina Lomaya Kansou
Dubai
Caught on camera
The authorities should install cameras to monitor some roads and traffic so that they can heavily fine people who endanger the lives of others. When drivers fear they could be watched secretly, I’m sure there will be improvement on the roads.
From Mr Khalid Ahmad Syed
Dubai
Facebook comment
Police presence
The authorities should keep an eye on the traffic in private vehicles or while dressed in civilian clothes. If the authorities penalise drivers on the spot, accidents might reduce.
From Mr A. Sim Farooqi
Dubai
Forewarned
The authorities always warn about parking on the hard shoulder, even if the car has broken down. People should be more careful about these particular issues.
From Mr Jas Abdul Jaleel
UAE
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