December 25, 2008

Haunting memories
About three years ago, I was driving to work and had a traumatising experience. A heavy-duty trailer was driving ahead of me, carrying a bulldozer, which blocked the driver's view.

We both were driving at the speed of at least 100km/h. Suddenly, the trailer braked and started reversing, since the driver had missed a turn.

There was a considerable amount of space between us, so I honked and assumed that the driver would stop. However, he continued to reverse and I realised he was not paying attention.

Additionally, he was listening to loud music. He hit my car, but I managed to jump out in time. My colleagues came to help after I called them, and the police arrived in a few minutes, too.

The driver was fined and my car was taken for repair. However, even after three years, I am still haunted by the memory of those few moments.
From Ms Anjali B. Ramchandani
Dubai

Preventive measures
I do not understand why there are so many accidents in the UAE ("48 killed this year in road accidents", Gulf News, December 22).

When I was taking driving lessons, I was taught all the traffic signs and about the right of way.

However, they did not emphasise on preventive driving, which is the most important thing a driver should know in order to avoid accidents.

Sometimes we have to give way to rash drivers to prevent an accident.
From Mr Henry Reyes
Sharjah

Preserving culture
The objective of the proposed salary criteria for sponsoring a family should be attained ("Proposed salary limit for sponsorship too high", Gulf News, December 21).

Controlling and selecting the influx of expatriates would help preserve peace, order and UAE's culture, which I believe has been diluted due to exposure to so many varied cultures and people.

The way for life has changed drastically in the last decade and it is imperative that the changes are controlled.
From Ms Ivan A. Mon-alon
Abu Dhabi

Lost and found
This is in reference to Mr Syed Ahmad Hussaini's letter wherein he suggests a sign that would inform motorists about the last petrol pump on a stretch of road ("Warning sign", Gulf News, December 20).

I think this is a great idea. However, in such a case, all you need to do is park your car and spot familiar landmarks in the area.

Additionally, you could look at lampposts to note its number and then pass it on to the police.

I would like to thank two Abu Dhabi police officers, who responded and helped me a few years ago, when I got lost and my car ran out of petrol.
From Ms Flora Maravillla
Sharjah

Freedom to decide
I think Dh10,000 as a minimum salary to sponsor a family would be very high ("Proposed salary limit for sponsorship too high", Gulf News, December 21).

The authorities first need to check the average income per person. It is understandable that they expect expatriates to earn and have a decent life.
Additionally, they could send money to their home country. However, it is extremely hard to live away from your family.

Family members could work together to support each other. They should be the ones to decide whether they want to sponsor their families or not.
From Ms Fatima Abdul
Sharjah

Request rejected
I was trying to convert my driver's licence in July 2008. However, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rejected my request.

The reason given was that it can be converted once I received my residence visa. After I got the visa in August, the RTA rejected my request again on ground they no longer converted licences issued from the country I came from.

Why would a visa void our driver's licence, when we can drive rented cars before getting the residence visa? Why do we need to take driving lessons again?
From Mr Derek Poh
Dubai

The management of the RTA replied:
It is true that we are the authority that controls driving licences in Dubai.

However, please be informed that licence-converting rules are issued by the Ministry of Interior and we implement these rules. If you have more enquiries, please contact the driving licence department on 04-2036710.

Neglected
The public transport in Abu Dhabi is commendable ("Abu Dhabi to add two new bus routes from Monday", Gulf News, December 21).

However, at the same time, the authorities should realise that the Mussafah area, which is densely populated by middle- and low-income groups, is neglected to a large extent.

We request that the bus service is extended to the Mussafah area, too.
From Ms Y. Hussain
Abu Dhabi

Memorable moment
I think the most memorable event in 2008 would have to be the visit by US President George W. Bush to Dubai because that day, a lot of disturbance came along, too ("Have your say: Most memorable event in 2008", Gulf News, December 23). The weather was horrible.

There were traffic jams everywhere. And the next day, people were wandering here and there to find their cars that had been moved due to clear traffic for the visit.
From Mr Hammad
Abu Dhabi

Unforgettable event
I guess in Dubai, the most unforgettable event or incident was the horrible accident in Ghantoot where more than 200 cars were damaged.
From Ms Loida
Dubai

Big loss
The one thing I will never forget was Hollywood actor Heath Ledger's untimely demise. Seeing him play the role of Joker in The Dark Knight made me realise what a big loss it was.
From Mr Ortiz
Dubai

New hope
Being an Indian, the most memorable event for me was certainly the Mumbai terror attacks. It has affected each and every Indian in many ways.

Barack Obama's victory in the US race was also memorable. It has given the entire world a new hope for peace and for a better future.
From Mr Syed
Sharjah

Handshake
Most memorable event in 2008 for me was Barack Obama getting elected as US president.

I went to see him in Mitchell, South Dakota, and I can't wait to tell my grandchildren that I shook the new president's hand.
From Ms Susan
South Dakota, USA

Matter of fact
Gulf News wrongly reported/published the following:

- The total cost of three vaccination shots for Hepatitis B was "Dh30" instead of "Dh50". It was part of the page 3 report, "New medical certification centre to open in January", Nation section, December 23.

We apologise for the error and any inconvenience it might have caused.

Gulf News is committed to being fair.

If there is an error in the newspaper, we will correct it promptly and fully.

If you come across any factual errors, mistakes or inaccuracies, please let us know at readers@gulfnews.com