Noise pollution radar is a promising solution
The novel system of introducing noise-measuring radars seems promising, as it would cut down the noise and traffic violations to a great extent (‘Noise-measuring radars in Abu Dhabi residential areas soon’, Gulf News, April 6). There are motorists who intentionally make their cars sound louder in order to seek the attention of others. Those people are least bothered about society and the inconveniences caused by their unacceptable behaviour. I strongly believe that people, such as speeding motorists and traffic violators, can easily be identified with the introduction of this new system. Once in practice, it will warn people to adhere to the rules and regulations.
Placing fines and black points on noisy drivers may bring such issues under control. Campaigns on the ill effects of noise pollution and reinforcement of traffic rules might bring about awareness. Mandatory education on traffic rules and regulations will reduce the tendency to disobey them.
From Mr Rekha Biju Varghese
Sharjah
Peace and quiet
Who would want to live in a noisy environment? I think all of us want to live in a peaceful setting. I approve of these noise monitors.
From Ms Aira Camille Hermosura
UAE
Facebook comment
Construction noises
Will they also measure the loud sounds emanating from construction sites? This affects people in residential areas.
From Ms Sharon Pereira Rodrigues
UAE
Facebook comment
Sad circumstances
Four men living temporarily at the house of a woman doing drugs (‘Outrage after four US men charged with raping 9-year-old’, Gulf News, April 7)? How sad. These men got lucky, as they don’t live in a place where that kind of action would mean the death penalty.
From Mr Phil Jones
Dubai
Facebook comment
No place for a child
Sadly, an addicted person chooses drugs over the priorities of being a mother. In the US, I feel this happens too often. Such drug dens are no place for a child.
From Mr Iman Tawheed
UAE
Facebook comment
Mother’s neglect
People like these will never change. The mother should go to jail for neglecting her child, because of drug addiction!
From Ms Jodie Llandelar
UAE
Facebook comment
Could it be any worse?
Humanity cannot sink any lower. The mother is hardly a paragon of virtue. The poor child in that environment!
From Ms Maev Gallagher
UAE
Facebook comment
Muffling progress towards peace
When two people from differing countries are trying to find love and humanity between nations, there is always someone who tries to muffle any progress, with a ban on the connection between Pakistan and India (‘Petition filed in Pakistan to ban Indian movies’, Gulf News, April 7). By banning movies, sports, visas, marriage, and the encouragement of opposite teams, all they are doing is encouraging extremism – not peace. Be a human being first, only then will you be a responsible citizen of a country.
From Ms Nisha Vetrivel
Dubai
Facebook comment
Use films for good
Good work can never be concealed, it will come to light today or tomorrow, whether it gets banned or not. The problem is, I think such movies should get banned when they teach us inaccurate history or are made with the intention of hurting a community’s sentiments. Filmmakers do this often to create more emotional reactions. Instead of spreading hatred in public, they should try to bring peace between the two countries. The media is a very powerful tool to create public interest; they should not use it negatively.
From Mr Helal Talukdar
UAE
Facebook comment
Voice of change
There is nothing against Pakistan in Indian movies. Cinema is a literary voice that tries to change ideologies. Change is often the message.
From Ms Fleur M.
UAE
Facebook comment
An act of bravery
May God reward Lieutenant Mohammad Mahmoud Al Ahmad, his service, his family and every other good human being around him (‘Police officer jumps into sea to save woman from drowning in Ras Al Khaimah’, Gulf News, April 7). That was a great act of bravery. I hope many will be motivated by his actions.
From Mr Hassan Ali
UAE
Facebook comment
A welcomed decision
Reviewing the classes is a good idea, since I have found that tougher tests don’t ensure more qualified drivers (‘Driving licence: High failure rate prompts review of classes’, Gulf News, April 7). I know people who got a licence on their first try, but have had many accidents since. Also, people above 65 years old should be re-tested more frequently. Elderly people on busy roads create a lot of problems.
From Mr Reji Paul
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Remember what you learn
Hopefully, those who passed the examination will be careful on the roads and use what they have learnt in their driving lessons. They should be law abiding drivers, since driving licences were given to them as a privilege. This means that you have to be responsible enough, ethical, disciplined and have patience. It will prevent drivers, as well as pedestrians, from causing accidents. Nowadays, there are a lot of unnecessary accidents due to negligence and the lack of responsibility. Drive safe! Don’t use mobile phones when driving and don’t be nasty, rude or egotistical by acting like you own the road.
From Mr Jon Zenitram
UAE
Driving schools and tests
That’s all well and good, but the testing should be carried out in line with fair standards. Instead, there are a number of driving schools and students who often get to the test and fail because what they are taught in school isn’t what they are tested for.
From Mr Marc Lynch
UAE
Facebook comment
Driving is a privilege
A driving licence is a privilege, not a right. For the sake of everyone’s safety, I think the training should be stricter, and the licences even harder to get.
I agree with Mr Marc Lynch, this is true. I see some of these so-called instructors driving around by themselves after hours, and their driving skills leave a lot to be desired.
From Mr Cam McDonald
UAE
Facebook comment
Many people make mistakes
It’s easy, as I see it. I would have probably passed the test in my first try because I had the confidence, but I was not aware that sunglasses were not permitted to be worn, even in an afternoon test. I passed it in my second take.
I see a lot of errors being committed by other people taking the exam: failure to do pre-checks, proper shoulder checks, rough braking or, worse, failure to release the handbrakes. Yes, these people were with me when I took the test.
From Mr Jeffrey Roy Pascual
UAE
Facebook comment
Tests are accurate
I passed in the first try. The high ratio of failure is because people don’t follow the rules of driving and they are afraid during the tests and make mistakes. The procedure of tests is absolutely correct.
From Mr Rizwan Khalid
Gujranwala, Pakistan
Facebook comment
Examiners can’t be blamed
I will never blame the examiners. They are perfect and are doing the right thing in their field. The instructors must learn how to teach others. I got my licence in 2013 on my second try.
From Ms Shamsi Shamsa
Dubai
Facebook comment
More classes for confidence
I think the driving schools push learners to take up to two or three classes together in a day. Hence, they sometimes drive the cars for not even a month continuously before their test, which results in a high fail ratio. The driving schools should be made to extend the classes to 45 minutes a day and they should teach them for at least a month, with 40 classes, to instil confidence.
From Mr Ali Makki
UAE
Website comment
Easier to be a young mother
Freezing eggs in case of a medical condition is unavoidable and technology comes in handy here (‘Stopping the hands of the biological clock’, Gulf News, April 3). But, freezing eggs just for career development and thereby postponing a pregnancy is not justified. Parenting is not just carrying a baby in the womb and delivering him/her. It’s much more than that. Though the eggs are healthy, there are complications associated with a late pregnancy. Also, a mother needs to be in sound health and active to raise a child. A young mother is able to offer the physical support required for children. The career break for aspiring mothers should be supported by both families and governments.
From Ms Yousufa
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld on request
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