Appreciate the safety efforts

A reader urges pedestrians to use pedestrian bridges and underpasses. Other topics: driving, Sheikh Mohammed, school, women, UAE's ranking

A reader urges pedestrians to use pedestrian bridges and underpasses. Ravindranath K / The National

It is good that more pedestrian bridges and underpasses are being built in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi authorities to build 10 pedestrian bridges, November 4). However, not many people realise that these efforts are being made to ensure their safety. There are people who break the fences so that they can run across the street. By doing so, these jaywalkers not only put their lives in danger, but they also imperil the lives of drivers who may end up in jail in the event of an accident.

Motorists also need to be alert. I often see drivers change lanes near zebra crossings and overtake the cars that stop for pedestrians.

S Subramoniam, Abu Dhabi

Is it possible to change drivers’ attitude?

Valuable observations have been shared by many in these columns frequently. However, road safety remains elusive (Dubai road accidents cause 109 deaths in eight months, November 1). I have 30 years of driving experience, of which eight years are in the GCC region.

I think it is more a question of attitude rather than skills. The aggressive, arrogant and antisocial behaviour of many drivers is deep-rooted in their personal and professional lives and manifests itself on the roads. Their claim to pseudo-superiority is to violate the rights of others, which they would not appreciate if reciprocated. It is hopeless to expect anything from these drivers who speed and honk in hospital and school zones.

M Ahmed, Dubai

A picture of a true leader

The picture of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid kissing the daughter of a fallen soldier is so adorable (UAE Rulers offer condolences – People & Politics in pictures, October 28). It just melts the heart away. My sincere condolences to the families of those killed in the line of duty in Yemen.

Name withheld by request

Can paper make you sick?

Regarding the news report Music teacher in Dubai fined for making student eat paper (November 4), I can't remember how many pieces of paper I ate in school. Getting caught passing notes in my school meant the teacher reading it aloud for the whole class to hear. It was often safer to eat it when caught.

Beverly Newell, Dubai

Unfortunately teachers have very few methods of discipline since parents always think their child is a perfect precious little gem who never does anything wrong.

Chris Reid, Dubai

I never heard of someone having a temperature as result of swallowing a piece of paper. It is a bit of an exaggeration, I think.

Naima Fisk, Dubai

Women need more support

The small number of women participants for Oman's Shura Council elections is worrying (One woman elected in Oman's Shura Council election, October 26).

While it is good to read that a woman has been re-elected to serve in her role for the next four years, there is clearly gender inequality in these areas of authority. Women should be encouraged to participate in elections and be at par with men. Also, voters should elect female representatives to give them an opportunity to prove themselves and take important decisions.

Name withheld by request

Rank reflects robust economy

The UAE's progression in the Prosperity Index (UAE ranked 30th most prosperous nation in the world, November 2) is a reflection of its economic health. Now the country must strive to become one of the top 10 countries.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

May God bless the UAE, its leaders and its people.

Benjamin Gharbawi, Dubai