Letters: November 4, 2009

Make your homes greener
Gulf News has always championed the cause to save the environment. I remember reading a report about Singapore which highlighted cleanliness and hygiene standards in the country and the passion of its residents, who had lush gardens on their balconies. Some chose to have indoor plants due to lack of space. Each plant can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide, besides adding beauty to our surroundings. I know many people who would like to have plants at home, but face an issue with finding a caretaker when they are away on holiday. Fortunately, my neighbours and I help each other in this regard. Another solution would be to leave the house keys with friends, or place the plants outside your home and have the watchman water them. Better still, grow plants that do not need a lot of water. Wouldn’t it be a pretty sight to have green buildings? We have facilities to leave pets when on vacation, so why not make the necessary arrangements for our plants, too?
From Ms Vandita Kumar
Dubai

Driving etiquette
The authorities have invested energy, money and manpower in providing us with one of the best road infrastructures in the world. Gone are the days when high-end luxury cars used to rule the roads. The new force comes in the form of humble, low-cost cars. It is these cars that have taken speed to a different level, where drivers very conveniently change rules for themselves. It is a common sight to see motorists of such vehicles speed and cruise in the fast lane, scaring the daylights out of us, the safe drivers.I advocate safe driving, as it’s not worth risking one’s life. How you drive reflects who you are, as the car is the person. Recently, a “real driver” gave me the respect that is much needed on our roads.
He was driving behind me and I had not seen him as I was talking to my father. A quick glance in the rear-view mirror and I immediately moved into the second lane. The driver smiled and waved a huge “thank you”. He deserved an unobstructed road, as that is what constitutes real driving — respect and safety.
From Mr Varun Kumar
Dubai

Safety is an issue
We support Gulf News’s views and believe that the issue raised by Mr Rajesh Advani about an unsafe road is serious — especially with regard to the safety of our pupils and residents in the area (“Community report: Set up traffic lights near school gate”, Gulf News, October 29). Please note that we have communicated the issue — which arose after construction began in the plot adjacent to the school’s premises in August 2009 — to the Roads and Transport Authority. Additionally, a request for a speed-breaker and traffic signal has also been made. Meanwhile, we have been allowed access from an adjacent plot on the left side of the school. Parents have also been informed of this change and the problem has been significantly reduced with their cooperation. We are confident we will continue to receive support from the concerned authorities for safe access to our school.
Until such time, we have ensured that extra staff members are present to assist and monitor the situation. However, we request motorists to drive safely and pay heed to speed limits within school zones.
From the management of Al Diyafah
High School
Dubai

Road trap
A few days ago, on my usual route to work in Al Quoz, I took an exit and was shocked
to find a parked vehicle right in front of my car. I missed it only by a few inches! I
sounded my car’s horn three times, but nobody seemed to be inside the car. I continued
my journey, hoping the owner would move it away soon. The same day, I had to leave Dubai for two weeks on an official trip. I returned from my trip and was surprised to find the car in the exact same spot, completely covered with dust and used as a canvas by someone to show off their artistic talent. As I write this letter, the car continues to be parked in the same spot. What makes it even more dangerous is the fact that it is parked on the main road at the turn of the exit. I would appreciate it if the concerned authorities would take the necessary steps to remove this “trap” as soon as possible.
From Ms A. Joe
Dubai

Remember my message
Dear unsafe driver, why do you assume that when I leave a safe distance between my car and the vehicle in front, it is your cue to fill up the space? This distance is my safety zone, which ensures that if I need to brake abruptly, I have enough room to stop without colliding into the car in front of me. If you invade this space, you are putting me, my passengers and other road users at risk! In the future, if you see such a space, do think about this message from me.
From Mr Tony Martin
UAE