Build a barrier
O ne of the things that angers me the most while driving is seeing people cross the street without even looking around (“Drop in traffic accidents a battle won by police”, Gulf News, October 2). As a driver, it is incredibly frustrating and dangerous to suddenly have to break, especially when there are other cars around that will have to adjust to the sudden changes. I have often seen this happen on highways, where cars are driving at really fast speeds, and then someone chooses to run across the road. I am relieved that the authorities are finding the reasons behind this behaviour. The new traffic signal will be a great help in regulating traffic. However, I think more can be done. If it is deduced that most jaywalking and such behaviour does not only happen at pedestrian crossings, there needs to be other improvements. Perhaps a higher divider could be constructed, which makes it hard for people to climb over. This could be a way to reduce such recklessness. From Ms Divya Suri Dubai
A worthy honour
T his was an exceptionally great gesture from the Emirati woman (“Emirati who saved trucker to be honoured”, Gulf News, October 1). This valiant effort from an extraordinary Emirati to save the life of a human being should be praised. The sudden alertness and the love towards humanity as a whole, is very much praise worthy. She made a difference in someone’s life with humanity. We salute her. All the best. From Mr M K Gunaseelan Abu Dhabi.
An evolving virus?
I s there a difference in the chickenpox virus that children are exposed to now, as compared to that which we were exposed to in the past (“Hospitals face shortage of chickenpox vaccine”, Gulf News, September 30)? We got chickenpox on purpose. I’m 33 and when a child in the neighbourhood got chickenpox, parents had a ‘pox party’ so that every kid got it. If someone had it as a child, they were unlikely to have illness as an adult, and it was very unlikely that you’ll get it twice. My understanding is that it is dangerous to adults that’ve never had it and people with compromised immune systems. All the kids
had pink dots everywhere and a mild fever, which were the only issues I ever saw. It was an inconvenience compared to the listed side effects of the vaccine. Has the virus changed in the last 25 to 30 years? From Ms Jasmine Williams UAE Facebook comment
Avoid misconceptions
W hen I arrived in this country, I heard rumours that you should not help a victim who was injured by an accident or any other causes, because you might be questioned by the authorities (“Meet Emirati woman who saved Indian driver from flames”, Gulf News, September 30). A lot of people have the same image in their minds, that’s why they are not willing to help. Awareness is so important for all. People are still scared to assist and practise first aid. From Mr Neroz Vuzel Sharjah Facebook comment
Government at fault, again
T he collapse of the railway station bridge in Mumbai, led to the death of 22 people and it was tragic (“At least 22 killed in Mumbai railway bridge stampede: official”, Gulf News, September 30). A one-and-a-half-century-old bridge was not maintained properly by the government, and this is one of the attributing factors to its collapse, apart from the crowd. It is the responsibility of the government to maintain public places. I pray for the victims, grieving family members, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery. From Mr K. Ragavan Bengaluru
Praise for Saudi Arabia
F rom time immemorial, mankind has always been on the verge of living a better life, with freedom (“Saudi university to open driving school for women”, Gulf News, October 2). The latest decree by the Ruler of Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive, is a major decision. They must have felt deprived of their rights when compared to other Arab women with regards to driving. I always believe that culture and progress should go hand in hand. The only thing permanent in the world is change. With vision 2030, and the prevailing economic conditions of the Arab countries in particular, countries rich in oil like Saudi, will definitely benefit the local women, as well as boost their economy. The sale of vehicles, insurance and the industry will get a huge boost. This would also generate employment for women at female only gas stations, and other related workshops. From Mr Mohsin Ahmad UAE
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.