Keep moving, rubberneckers
I was witness to the accident last night when I was leaving my office last night (‘Rubbernecking in UAE: How curiosity can kill,’ April 28). A car had hit a biker and there were curious onlookers who wanted to see what happened while the biker had a bruised knee and leg. The result was a pile-up of traffic. Ultimately, someone from behind had to use the horn to disperse the cars in front. While people are naturally curious to know what has happened, they should at least realise that they are putting other people’s lives in danger. If deciding to help, it should be done only if it is safe and without obstructing traffic. Otherwise, everyone should keep driving and not worry too much because the UAE has one of the most efficient police systems in the world and they will take care of it.
From Mr Shankz
Dubai
Website comment
Voyeurs all around!
What is with this morbid curiosity that residents in the UAE have when it comes to a road accident? It is like we are surrounded by voyeurs. A minor accident and there is a massive tailback. And why is this? Only because 99 per cent of the people have stopped to watch, take quick pictures on their phone or message someone about it. It is such terrible conduct. I have often seen a second accident happening because drivers staring at the accident failed to see where they were going and drove into cars ahead of them. All they did was just add to the troubles of others caught in traffic and increased work for the police. I really wish people would stop, behave with better etiquette and not be a nuisance on the road. Stop rubbernecking!
From Ms Anthea Edwards
Dubai
Safety is paramount
It always happens. The best remedy would be to stop traffic in all lanes well before the scene. This will help the police, ambulance and cleaners get there quicker and do their job without stress and fear of being hit by other vehicles. Traffic jams are okay because it is part of our daily life but the most important thing is protecting the innocent lives.
From Mr Mohammad Shabab
Abu Dhabi
Very tiring
Yesterday there was an accident before the bridge joining Mirdif City Centre at Nad Al Sheba. People were staring out of their cars and it took me double the time to get home. For me that meant an extra two hours. I was tempted to pull over the car and rest because I was really tired and had been driving for so long. This should not happen since there are radars on the roads for the speed safety, and it should also catch when rubbernecking is happening.
From Mr Almas
Dubai
Website comment
Waiting for nothing
Most countries have problems with rubberneckers but I think the UAE has more of a problem with it though. Perhaps it is because of all the nationalities here. There is nothing more annoying than being stuck in traffic only to find a minor accident, especially on the outside lane of a six lane highway, or even on the opposite highway!
From Mr Alan Drysdale
Dubai
Let it to the police!
I always wonder how people can look at an accident as if it’s a movie! We clearly can’t do a thing to help. We need to just move on and let the police handle it. What are rubberbeckers looking for? Having a story to tell when you get home doesn’t make you a hero!
Ms Leena Samuel
Dubai
Tougher implementation
Although there is excellent economic growth in UAE, not enough is being done to protect employees (‘UAE sets example in labour laws: Minister,’ April 28). There are some aspects that employers take advantage of and get away with. The authorities must ensure that employers do not void their contract by charging the employees visa fees, and for providing accomodation and food. These things are mentioned in their contracts. Tough action must be taken against these employers.
Mr Marwah
Dubai
Website comment
Learning from neighbours
I appreciate that the UAE is doing a lot to protect labourers. At the same time, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) can consider additional suggestions. Since the implementation of the two days off per week system in Oman, the companies will allow for one day overtime and one day off. This gives labourers extra money through overtime or the opportunity to rest.
From Mr Shaheer
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Erratic driving
The article says that the “Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) doesn’t renew registration of any commercial vehicle without a speed limiter installed” (‘Smart car plates to restrict speeds on Dubai roads,’April 28). I continue to witness high-speed erratic traffic behavior by school buses and commercial trucks. Now I understand why. They have not renewed their registration and can now carry on with their carefree attitude while driving!
From Mr Louie Tedesco
Dubai
Harsh law needed
A harsh law is must. It affects the efficiency of police and rescue operations all the time! knowing the UAE police force always strive for optimum efficiency, it wouldn’t surprise me if such a law will be soon approved.
Ms Karim Rajeh Altal
Dubai
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