A reader says Nepal's breathtaking landscape makes it an ideal destination for trekking. Samir Thapa / AP Photo
A reader says Nepal's breathtaking landscape makes it an ideal destination for trekking. Samir Thapa / AP Photo

Police must be proactive to check dangerous drivers



Some readers have made good observations on this issue (Danger drivers face criminal charge in UAE for topping 200kph, March 10).

In my opinion, driving in the UAE is so stressful and arguably more dangerous than in many other countries because:

1. People here generally prefer to drive fast. Also, on some of the highways the maximum speed limit is too high.

2. Those using mobile phones while driving are not very often punished.

3. Drivers change lanes and weave through traffic at high speeds without using indicators. No one seems to be bothered by all this.

4. Some motorists take advantage of the lack of police patrols on highways to race between the speed cameras.

The ideal solution to all this would be to either increase police patrols on highways or install more speed cameras.

Fortunately, the roads in this country are superb and there is adequate light at night.

If it were otherwise, the number of fatalities would have been much higher.

I think the police should play a more proactive role to bring down the number of road accidents.

Bassem Fakhry, Dubai

Bangalore traffic trial is welcome

The article Cardboard cops used to enforce road rules (March 27) was interesting.

If this experiment by the Karnataka government proves to be successful, it can be tried out in other states, and even in the UAE.

Most of the drivers are aware of the traffic rules in Bangalore and other parts of India, but they are reluctant to follow them. These people should be forced to obey the law.

I live in Bangalore and I love it. I hope the roads in my city will not become chaotic.

K Ragavan, India

You can control your smartphone

If you are addicted to your smartphone, try using SilentPocket (Addicted to IT? You have nomophobia and could be damaging your health, March 17). This phone case blocks all incoming and outgoing transmissions.

It's convenient because you can silence your phone without switching it off.

It can be especially helpful when you are driving: you will neither hear rings and beeps, nor will your phone vibrate.

Name withheld by request

Prison might help many to reform

I refer to the blog post Sex, drugs and rape … I blame the parents (March 19).

It is always sad to see people go behind bars or face accusations.

I do understand the writer's feelings. However, the Almighty has His plans for each of us.

Maybe many of those in jail will come out as better individuals.

Dereck Dickenson, US

I have seen children of "ideal" parents getting spoilt. I have also seen children of "not-so-ideal" parents having "glowing careers and endless potential" as you said. Blaming parents is easy.

Mo Heathcote, Dubai

Nepal is ideal for trekking

I enjoyed reading the article Take the high road (March 29). It was very informative.

While reading about the author's adventure, I felt as if I was actually in Nepal. The pictures were also great.

Bruce F, US

I really liked the description of the landscape in Nepal. The picture is lovely.

The place seems to be incredible.

This country might be my next holiday destination.

Maricela Ann Vilchis, US

Message is not clear in cartoon

I didn't understand the cartoon (March 25) that portrays an obese man in a military uniform pulling one of several thorns from his side with tweezers.

What is the man supposed to represent, an Afghan or an American? And does the thorn suggest "withdrawal" or "occupation"?

Pakhtarya Khaan, Abu Dhabi

Financial crisis hit Dubai hard

I refer to the Review article On the road to tomorrow (March 30).

If there had been no financial crisis, Dubai would by now have surpassed New York and London as the city of the future.

Salah Almhamdi, Tunisia

BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE

Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 3/5

Fines for littering

In Dubai:

Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro

Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle. 
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle

In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches 

Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5