Difference between life and death
I think this is a really good initiative, taken by the Ministry of Interior (“Ministry announces tough new traffic rules, penalties”, Gulf News, March 23). We have all heard the excuses before: “The seat belt is uncomfortable, I’m only going around the corner”, or “I’d rather be thrown out of a car than be stuck in a seat belt”, and my favourite, “I’m a good driver, I don’t need to wear one”. Well, you may be a good driver, but there are situations beyond your control, such as bad weather, road conditions and not to mention other drivers, that can affect your safety. Seat belts can mean the difference between life and death in an automobile accident. Wearing a seat belt every time you enter a vehicle is not only the smart thing to do, it is the right thing – because it saves lives, it is the law and it will save you money. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35, according to US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wearing a seat belt can prevent death in about half of these accidents. I am really glad that the Ministry has announced these new rules, which will reduce the number of accidents.
From Ms Megna Rajagopal
Dubai
Baffling behaviour
There is a penalty of Dh200 when you are driving with xenon lights, which are very bright and distracting to others on the road. But I see a lot of vehicles cruising on the road with their xenon lights on, for no reason. These are too bright and can be a hazard when driving. Also, the authorities could provide more solutions to deal with traffic congestion. We often come across traffic, but it just appears and disappears for no reason! Motorists recklessly change lanes and do not mind the gaps in between vehicles. Heavy industrial trucks drive very fast in some communities where many construction projects are going on. Maybe we could have some road campaigns on safety when driving.
From Mr Doniyor Shakirov
UAE
Facebook comment
Children in danger
I hope the authorities start to crack down soon. I have seen so many little children standing on the front seat in cars. Once, I saw up to three children in the front seat! Also, the other day, a motorist nearly hit my car on a roundabout, because he was on his phone. He went across all three lanes and then back to the inside lane again.
From Mr Paul Kinnock
Al Ain
Facebook comment
Not convinced
The reason cited for a ban on electronics aboard airlines from Middle Eastern airports is inconsistent with common logic. This ban causes great inconvenience to passengers on long-distance flights operating from the region, apart from reducing the scope of entertainment to a great extent for both children and adults alike. This is an optimum performance hurdle for Gulf carriers, who always give much importance to passengers’ leisure and entertainment, and a substantial portion of their profits are generated from the European Union (EU) and US sectors. The gadgets’ ban happened at a time when these Gulf carriers are facing multiple challenges, such as a drop in revenue and state subsidy allegations. I think this is a step aimed at making Gulf carriers less attractive to passengers. More countries are likely to announce similar restrictions in coming days, as the level of security threat increases day by day.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
Critical issue
Since UAE is a tax-free zone for businesses, the nation has attracted so many investors to Dubai (“Ministry of Finance sets minimum turnover requirement for VAT registration”, Gulf News, March 22). This decision of implementing the value-added tax (VAT) might affect trade and commerce to a certain extent.
From Mr Chaithanya Purushottama
Dubai
Facebook comment
Senseless attack
So, if the attack outside the British Parliament was an attack on democracy, was the US air strike on a mosque in Syria that killed over 40, an attack on humanity (“World leaders react to British attack”, Gulf News, March 23)?
From a reader
UAE
Facebook comment
Paying a price
US should never have invaded Iraq (“US should never ever have left Iraq, Trump tells Al Abadi”, Gulf News, March 21). Where is the international court to persuade the US and UK to pay billions in compensation to the families of those who died, and the thousands of displaced Iraqis who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihood? Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis are suffering every day because of the illegal invasion sanctioned by the so-called humanitarians.
From Mr Kevin Henson
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
Facebook comment
We trust him
Over 16 million Filipinos all over the world chose Rodrigo Duterte to lead the Philippines (“Duterte issues Philippines martial law warning”, Gulf News, March 23). Filipinos trust and believe in his ability to protect the interest of the country and its people. The threat is not in what decision he makes for the good of the country. It comes from those who do everything to make him and his leadership look bad. Do not be fooled.
From Ms Shellie Concepcion
UAE
Facebook comment
Live and let live
In Pakistan, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif recently announced a Rs500 million (Dh17.52 million) fund for the betterment of the Hindu community in Karachi. As a citizen of this nation, this news brought a smile to my face. Even though I have spent very little time in the country, having been raised in the UAE, every time I have visited, I have witnessed a lot of discrimination based on religion. For a change, Sharif is doing something that is praiseworthy. I commend his actions and hope that more people living in this beautiful nation open their eyes and minds to the possibility of coming across someone who may or may not believe in the same things that you do. In this day and age, when many countries around the world are falcing troubles in the form of civil wars, the least we can do is accept each other for who we are. Live and let live.
From Ms Rabia Shahid
Sharjah
Adapt to changes
It is high time for India to opt for a change in its system of government. Minimising the number of political parties and allowing leaders to command a majority of people could help. The process of making important decisions should be done by capable leaders, irrespective of their socio-demographic characteristics. Let us put a stop to the existing chaos in the parliamentary system.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
Celebrity ministers?
It is really shocking that the Chief Minister of Punjab in India Amarinder Singh, is not aware of the legal and constitutional provisions for an elected representative to follow. It is we, the voters, who are being cheated by these elected representatives in the state, who take us for a ride. We expect the elected representative to take care of the needs of the constituency from where he was elected, and not improve his bank balance by attending and judging TV shows. Ironically, we have many Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), who never bother to attend and participate in the Assembly or Parliament proceedings to improve their communities, but are only keen to enjoy the fruits of this post. It is the Chief Minister’s duty to instruct his Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to put an end to this farce, and to look after the welfare of the people of his state, and not his own matters!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Chennai, India
Modi’s plans are working
Without doubt, the thumping win of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Uttarakhand states, and the dramatic coups in Goa and Manipur, have given a big boost to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he embarks on his mission, with all guns blazing. His plans, which include improvement for the poor and the middle class, have given him much needed dividends in UP and other states. Of course, the BJP’s winning ways owe a lot to Amit Shah’s grand plans and brilliant execution. These victories go on to prove that voters have become wise enough and that they cannot be fooled and divided on caste, creed and religion. If the Prime Minister and his wards continue with this vision, to take care of the poor and the middle class, who were the worst affected since Independence, there is no doubt Modi can continue to succeed, at least for another term.
From Mr N. V. Krishnan
Chennai, India
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
