Lessons to be learnt from Black Tuesday

The horrific road accident on Black Tuesday is a salutary lesson to everyone. But will it be learnt? From past experience when fewer major accidents have occurred, it is doubtful.

Even with minor accidents very little cognisance is made of them and are soon forgotten, maybe an hour later, maybe a day later, but unless there was loss of life involving friends or family, rarely longer than a week.

This is a reflection on our ability to be impervious to the misfortunes of other people.

But there is a lesson to be a learnt and learn it we must. Greater awareness should be given to the public on all aspects of road safety, either as a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian.

The authorities must introduce tougher driving tests and penalties for errant drivers. The police must be proactive in their dealing with drivers.

There should be better warning facilities for drivers of adverse conditions ahead, with the recommendation, if necessary, of vehicles pulling over and stopping.

There are many other ways in which road safety can improve in the UAE and the experience of and recommendations from other countries will help in making the roads in the UAE safer.