The change that could make our roads safer

Readers debate road safety. Other topics: Huda Kattan, finance and language

A reader has an idea to fix the problem of reckless driving. Reem Mohammed / The National

There has been recent correspondence about the creation of new traffic laws designed to force drivers to be more aware (Only enforcement and culture change will make our roads safer, April 29).

The majority of poor driving is committed by a small minority of the population, who wear non-conformity on the roads like a badge.

The biggest deterrent in controlling this minority is the certainty of being caught. Rules for them are a game.

Every day I drive in from Baniyas to Abu Dhabi on the Al Ain road. This minority are in evidence at this busy time with their flashing lights and tailgating, overtaking on the hard shoulder, sudden lane-switching and weaving in and out of queues.

Lately, I noticed a police car driving at slow speed in the third lane – all other traffic being forced to pass left or right under the nose of the officers in the police car.

The change in behaviour of the anti-social minority was dramatic. All their activities suddenly ceased at the sight of the police car.

The lessons to be drawn are clear. Anti-social drivers are already well aware of the rules they are breaking and more laws will therefore have little effect upon them.

During rush hours, regularly spaced police cars driving slowly in the line of traffic can have an immediate improvement in the behaviour of the bad driving minority.

Implementing these changes requires more police cars on all major entry roads to Abu Dhabi during rush hours and again at night when the workforce exits.

But it would surely be well worth it. Behaviour is learnt, and the inability to carry out their daily antics by the bad driving minority would slowly replace their cavalier behaviour with more normal social attitudes on the road.

Andy Preston, Abu Dhabi

Missing Huda Kattan in Dubai

I am writing about Huda Kattan's cancelled Dubai Mall appearance (Beauty blogger Huda Kattan cancels Dubai Mall appearance over security concerns, May 1). Honestly I think that Sephora should be blamed for this because of their lack of planning. My niece went bright and early and kept asking about queuing.

At one point a staff member told her that queues start at 4 and even if you’ve been here since 10 you’ve just got to fight for a spot. That is unsafe.

Zamin Dharsi, Dubai

In one of her videos Huda Kattan said it was her safety that was of concern. Today she claims it’s the safety of the crowd.

Huda Dhalie, Dubai

A little honesty with finance

I am writing about the latest debt panel (Struggling business owner borrowed Dh230,000 in India and Dubai to fund his company, May 2).

There are many measures that can be taken to lower costs. Sell your car and buy a scooter or use public transport. Moreover, you can look at other changes for cheaper living.

When you start a business, you have to bear in mind that you will not be making very much money during the first three years.

As such, your funds should be calculated in a way that will ensure that you have enough money for living and running your business.

You can’t forget costs such as insurance and taxes. With so many costs, it is critical to make honest calculations about how much money you need to live on and how much your business will actually make.

Once that calculation is completed, take half of it and see if your business will make you a good living after all costs and fees are understood.

It is ideal to take someone on-board who can help you with these considerations. If the business doesn’t work out, it is critical that you stop and start a new project.

Stop in time to give you new possibilities to start again.

Mussi Myllymaa, Abu Dhabi

Language, lost in translation

With regards to the column about communication and the majlis (The majlis: Cultural context is key to communication, April 26), English to English translation is a huge part of my work day. Then we add Arabic into the mix.

It makes for interesting work stories and a lot of fun.

An example would be the New Zealanders and British using “fortnight” and our friends from the United States thinking they were speaking Shakespearean English.

Arnna Graham, Dubai