Prison sentences for reckless drivers a welcome move
The initiatives described in 200 kph speeders face prison (March 11) are a step in the right direction, but it seems to me that the police never catch the worst offenders.
I drive to work in Musaffah daily, and to Dubai about twice a week. It never ceases to amaze me how many cars I see in my rear-view mirror, flying towards me even though I am already travelling at the maximum speed. The drivers then start flashing their headlights for me to get out of the way.
I am tired of the lack of respect shown on the roads, and I agree that the police should be more vigilant and harsher on those who are breaking the law.
This is a nation with a number of irresponsible and reckless drivers who put others' lives at risk, and who have no qualms about driving on the hard shoulder when someone is in their way.
The only way to sort this all out is to have harsher penalties that cannot just be paid off. If community service or jail time were really implemented, it would definitely lower the number of speed-related incidents, because there would be a real deterrent in place.
Driving to Dubai shouldn't feel like you are riding on bumper cars.
I also think that if the radars that measure your speed between two points were used, this would cut the amount of speeding. Putting 100 radars in place but only having 24 of them in operation is not a practical solution.
N Farley, Abu Dhabi
Criminalising reckless driving is a welcome move.
The UAE is a beacon for how people from hundreds of cultures can live together harmoniously, but the bad driving behaviour of a few tarnishes this.
S Swart, Dubai
American grateful for UAE's support
I am writing in reference to Ambassador to the US rewarded for his hard work (March 9), about the award given to the UAE's Yousef Al Otaiba at the World Affairs Council in Washington DC.
I greatly appreciate what the UAE has done in response to the tragedy in Joplin, Missouri, especially since I live just 10 minutes away.
I was in Abu Dhabi visiting Emirati friends during Hurricane Sandy, and we saw it on the television news. It was a terrible shock.
When I returned home, I noticed that one of the highlights of the local and national media coverage concerned the donations from the UAE. Many Americans became aware of the UAE and its kindness.
The UAE has done a lot for victims of all kinds of tragedies, and I'm sure it's always appreciated.
Brenda Cowgill, US
I was pleased to read this article.
It was a reminder of the remarkable relationship between the US and the UAE over many years.
K Ragavan, India
Parks make city more pleasant
I enjoyed reading Abu Dhabi gets greener with 15 new parks planned (March 5).
Parks are wonderful things. I come from London where public parks are hundreds of years old, are everywhere and everyone enjoys them.
It's good to see the UAE is following in the footsteps of the UK and other great nations.
My only complaint is that the Marina area in Dubai is lacking in public parks.
As the population grows, with young families in the majority, it would be a good idea to establish parks on those huge empty plots that are still around, such as the space in front of the Torch Tower.
A Godfrey, Dubai
Telecast marred by bad language
My compliments to everyone involved in the Filmfare-Idea Awards presentation, held earlier this year in India and screened on UAE television last weekend.
While it was an enjoyable feast of colour and dance, I was concerned about some of the coarse comments made by the programme's hosts, Shahrukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan.
Their unsophisticated comments about the romantic comedy Vicky Donor should have been avoided or at least edited out of the TV presentation.
The comments were unwarranted, inappropriate and more befitting college canteen banter among boys. The reaction of the film's star, Priyanka Chopra, who was seen covering her face, indicated the widespread embarrassment.
The Khan duo should have cut some of their jokes and spent more time highlighting the achievements of the winners.
It is the 100th anniversary of Indian cinema, and more time should have been taken to celebrate this great occasion by inviting some of the performers of yesteryear on to the stage.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
