Speed is not the only danger on roads in the UAE

Lane discipline is also something endangering people on the roads, a reader says. Other topics: London attack, Musharraf's motives, tyre prices and countering Israel.

Despite the focus on speed, lane discipline is a safety issue on UAE roads, readers say. Antonie Robertson / The National

I agree with absolutely every word in your article, Lack of lane discipline biggest bug bear on UAE roads (April 10).

Too often, people really have no sense of lanes. If they only learnt to stay in their lanes and understand which lane is for what, half of the accidents would not happen and it would have a very positive effect on driving overall.

Speeding is not the only issue when it comes to making the roads safer in the UAE. Driving with your hands, eyes and mind on the road and in the right lane is also an important issue.

Moiz SA, Sharjah

This point about lane discipline is well made but I think the factor that results in so many tragic accidents is that too many people from developing nations have absolutely no proper education in driving at all.

The driving tests in some countries are ridiculous and anyone can pass.

The RTA here should work on that first. Just because someone has a driving licence in their home country doesn’t mean they should automatically get a UAE one, especially if they are from somewhere without rigorous tests.

Name withheld by request

London attacks raise safety issues

If convicted of trying to murder these Emirati women, the attacker and his accomplices should be given the toughest punishment (Man charged with attempted murder of Emirati sisters in London, April 12).

Although I sympathise with the women who were brutally attacked at their hotel room in central London, it was unwise of them if, as has been suggested, they left their door unlocked while sleeping, even if they were part of a large group.

This case has raised issues about the safety and security of tourists in London hotels.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Is the hotel where these unfortunate Emirati women were staying really denying that this is a security issue and that they are at fault?

Security has been found wanting in a hotel that costs from $350 to $500 (Dh1,286-1,836) per night – a place where people pay more for a hotel to enjoy better amenities including safety.

These Emirati women trusted the hotel to ensure their safety and were horribly let down. The hotel should be held accountable.

Name withheld by request

The UK should be tougher on thieves. Sentences there are a joke and hardly serve as a deterrent to criminals.

Shaun Deegan, Dubai

I am glad that suspects have been caught so fast. Well done to the British police.

Mel Savage, Dubai

Musharraf motives not so obvious

With regard to Tom Hussain's article, Musharraf's calculated return has achieved its objectives (April 8), I believe Gen Musharraf's major objective in returning was quite different.

When influential powers asked him to lift the state of emergency and to hold elections in 2007, he readily agreed. But if he had refused to resign as army chief, no power could have forced him.

Then why did he agree? I believe he was assured that he would be brought back after a decent gap.

The Pakistan People’s Party is already in the dumps. So will be the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party after the government collapses in the near future.

Imran Khan has also destroyed his own image through several blunders.

No politician with any credibility will be left. That is when Gen Musharraf will be ready to step in.

He has already gained tremendously due to the mismanagement by the government, reminding people that they were much better off under him.

Muhammad Abd al-Hameed, Pakistan

Tyre affordability also plays a part

In reference to your story, Stricter tyre regulations will reduce accidents (April 9), I think the issue is partly a reflection on branded tyres from authorised distributors being so incredibly expensive that it becomes difficult for most people to afford.

Minimum price range for each tyre starts from Dh800-900. Most people cannot afford to splash out Dh3,000 just on tyres that will be worn out within a few years.

Something should be done about the pricing.

Name withheld by request

Israel should be an issue for the UN

With regard to your story, Arab League blames Israelis for derailing peace talks (April 11), I believe that justice will only be served by international organisations like the UN imposing resolutions that will be just as involuntary, disruptive and humiliating to Israel as Israel has wreaked upon occupied Palestine for generations.

John W, Dubai