An Abu Dhabi CatCon could serve a good purpose

A reader says Abu Dhabi should host a CatCon to raise funds for an animal welfare foundation. Other topics: tailgating and cabin luggage.

Attendees wait in line to look at cats for adoption at CatCon in Los Angeles. (Jae C Hong / AP)

Anyone who didn’t follow the CatCon in Los Angeles this month really missed out.

They did an amazing job of gathering all the crazy cat lovers into a room to show their fierce love for their feline friends.

We should do the same. Let's rally up the troops in Abu Dhabi and have a showcase where people can adopt these precious fur balls, and buy and sell pet accessories. The aim would be to raise money to create a foundation to protect cats. Mawahib Al Hamed, Abu Dhabi

Reckless drivers force others to break the law

In the eight years I have lived in Dubai, I have seen no effective measures to stop reckless driving (Dubai tailgating deterrent 'should be revised tenfold', June 11).

I am in favour of cameras and any other means to stop tailgaters. Whether the Dh400 fine will mean anything to the ­offender is another issue, though.

Many drivers in Dubai do not take proper action before changing lanes. They either never check the blind spots or just have a complete disregard for cutting other vehicles off – putting you in a position where you are tailgating them.

If you then attempt to allow the proper distance between cars, you will again be cut off by another driver. It’s a no-win situation.

In my home country, the United States, this type of reckless driving is regarded as a serious offence that carries serious consequences. You can have your licence revoked and, in some instances, go to prison.

I think there should be greater police presence on the roads. It’s a very good deterrent. There should also be designated lanes for slower cars and lorries.

Ian Evans, Dubai

In France, there are chevrons painted on the lanes. You should see two chevrons between you and the car in front to know that you have a safe braking distance. It is a very clever and useful tool.

Susan Brodie,Dubai

The proper following distance is proportional to your speed and the speed of the car in front.

As a rule, you should keep a distance in metres equivalent to your speed in kilometres. If you drive at 100 kph, then the distance must be 100 metres. On wet roads, you must allow a greater distance.

Jasser Salem, Abu Dhabi

Coordination is important

It was pleasing to read that the civil authorities have taken steps to prepare for bad weather (Fujairah braces for Cyclone Ashobaa, June 11).

However, in the case of a major disaster it will require more than police officers. All public and private resources across the UAE will have to work in a cohesive manner.

I think there is a case for a centralised authority to draw together these resources under a single command and conduct regular drills.

We also need a single source for updates and advice to the public.

Name withheld by request

Does insurance lead to surgery?

Given that one in four births in the UAE is by caesarean section, (A c-section cannot be a lifestyle choice, June 7), it would seem that doctors are recommending this procedure too freely.

In the UK, where the National Health Service has to adhere to strict budgets, it is rare for a mother to be advised to have a c -section.

But here the cost of surgery is covered by medical insurance, so I am not surprised by these statistics.

Emma K, Dubai

Size can be a big issue on a plane

I was pleased to read Airlines consider Iata guideline on size of carry-on luggage (June 11).

I can’t believe what some people try to take on planes – and what they get away with.

Heather Holcombe, Dubai

The people who abuse the ­carry-on limit are the ones to be punished, not those who abide by the airline's policy. Grace Roberts, Al Ain

Car fire story is a warning

I hope people pay attention to Car catches fire twice at Dubai petrol station (June 10).

I had to complain to management at a Dubai petrol station after the attendant laughed at me when I asked why he didn't ask the man refuelling beside me to switch off his engine. H Parker, Dubai