To curb rise in road accidents, target bad drivers

Letter writers comment on the motorist who lost his life in Dubai, anti-rape protests in India, corner shops and other themes.

Malls bring tourists to the UAE, but it is authentic experiences, like shopping in now-endangered corner shops, that keep them coming back, a reader says. Ravindranath K / The National

I was shocked to read about the motorist who lost his life at the Al Aweer roundabout in Dubai (Motorcyclist killed in Dubai-Hatta road crash, December 22). It is indeed very sad to know that he was hit by a fast-racing truck. I have often noticed that drivers of these heavy vehicles, which also include many bus drivers, drive carefree and are always ready to overtake your vehicle.

As a responsible driver, I feel the UAE needs to implement certain rules to encourage heavy-vehicle drivers to adhere to slower speeds. Even on highways, the speed should not be more than 100 kilometres per hour. If someone is seen speeding, they should be fined. Moreover, these vehicles should be allotted one specific lane to avoid overtaking and racing.

Personally, I am very passionate about riding bikes, but the recent mishap has left me shaken. So I ask that the Roads Transport Authority (RTA) set up more radar systems to monitor speeding vehicles and apply more stringent rules to avoid any more tragedies in the future.

Mansha Kocher, Sharjah

The first thing I read in the newspaper each day are stories about mishaps. And over the past few days, it has been alarming to read the reports on several road accidents. Despite clear rules and regulations, the number of accidents is still very disappointing. This is very disappointing.

People in the UAE need to learn how to drive. Careless driving should be subject to strict punishment. And reckless drivers should be banned from driving.

I strongly feel that the government should come up with a better system which can track the speed of vehicles. This is extremely important to reduce the string of accidents, at least in school and residential areas.

Nisrin Arsiwala, Dubai

Indian women need respect

The angry demonstrations in New Delhi following the brutal gang rape of a young woman shows the nation will no longer tolerate injustices against women, especially sexual assaults (Indian PM urges calm as anger over gang-rape case escalates, December 24).

Rape is the worst kind of violence against women. Even after 65 years of independence, India still advises women not to step out of their homes at night. And women who are assaulted suffer indignity and shame for their entire lives.

Apart from this, "Eve teasing" - stalking or groping in public - is rampant.

These crimes are actually a manifestation of deep-rooted social prejudices against women. Dowry systems, so deeply entrenched in society, are an important factor for the low status of women in India. This is the reason why most parents prefer boys over girls, which has led to a wide male-female population gap.

Harsher punishments for sexual abuses of women are of course required. But what is most important is to strive for equality, freedom and unqualified respect for women in the society.

Muneer Ahmad, Abu Dhabi

When does no mean no? Always

It's an absolute disgrace the way some courts handle cases of rape, human trafficking and sexual abuse against women (Four jailed for desert gang rape are freed, December 23). Courts and legal systems the world over need to understand that when a woman says "no", she means "no".

Kay Beauke, Abu Dhabi

Pricey eggs, right at home in UAE

I read with amusement Priceless yolk of history for sale in UAE (December 27).

As you report: "History does not come cheap" and the starting price for one of the Fabergé eggs will be "a few thousand dollars".

It's bling to the max. Of course it will sell in the UAE.

Teri Adams, Abu Dhabi

Corner shops are 'real' tourist draw

I couldn't agree more with Peter Hellyer (New rules for 'scruffy' shops drive the little guy off the island, July 10). These, arguably, scruffy shops (and not just the groceries) give areas character.

The authorities want to attract tourists and, true, many will be suitably impressed with the new shopping malls, concerts halls, museums, etc.

But many tourists also want to experience a real Middle East experience. Shopping malls are very much of a "muchness". Once you have seen one, you have seen them all.

Furthermore, what are people who turn up outside these little shops in their 4 x4s tooting for attention going to do now? They can't do that outside Carrefour.

Again, these shops are another quirky characteristic of the region.

Michael Sayers, Abu Dhabi