New York streets set an example

A reader says Abu Dhabi could use New York City as a model for its plan to give every home an address. Other topics: dangerous driving, weekends and a father's wisdom.

A reader says Abu Dhabi should adopt the street-naming system in use in New York City. Adam Rountree / Bloomberg

New York sets a good example

I am writing in reference to Every home in Abu Dhabi to have its own address (February 17).

In my neighbourhood we have at least three different streets named "25th Street" less than one kilometre apart, making it impossible to use the name as a guide.

I think the new system should be modelled on the system in use in New York City.

With New York's easily understood arrangement of streets and avenues, you cannot go wrong.

We can't afford to have an unsuccessful trial.

Abdulla Hamoodi, Abu Dhabi

Dangerous driving not worth the 12 minutes it saves

Kudos to The National for taking on the subject of dangerous driving in the UAE and showing some real, if not exactly scientific, research that may come as a surprise to certain motorists (Battle of the lanes saves just 12 minutes, February 17).

The focus on saving your own life and reducing your stress levels is important. However, what is lacking here isn't that people are not thinking of themselves, but that they are not thinking of others. It's a matter of courtesy.

There is a general disregard for the safety and stress levels of others on the road by motorists who drive in an erratic and reckless manner.

At times, one can feel physically threatened when the driver of a large SUV drives up very close to the bumper of a much smaller vehicle and then overtakes on the hard shoulder.

When others drive like this, it risks my life and that of my family every bit as much as it risks theirs - and all of it for the sake of saving just 12 minutes on a trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.

Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi

This was a fantastic experiment. You have proved your point in a non-judgemental and accurate manner.

Following rules is not a choice, it's a necessity for our own safety. We all are in a perpetual hurry and patience doesn't come easy on the roads, but you have successfully shown the bigger picture.

Seriously, is arriving 12 minutes early really worth tense muscles, a racing heart, dirty looks and curses?

It's time for us all to follow the adage: "Do unto others what you would have them do to you."

B Verma, Dubai

I would like to see the use of video cameras to capture footage of all the motorists who put other drivers' lives at risk.

One common situation is when drivers flash their lights at cars in the fast lane, trying to force them into another lane when there is no room to move.

Other scenarios include drivers switching lanes without signalling and following too closely. Ultimately, this behaviour risks causing serious harm to those of us who are trying to abide by the traffic laws.

D Nobles, Abu Dhabi

Scarce resource in the spotlight

Middle East's water is fast disappearing (February 14) quotes data collected over seven years by Nasa's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment.

It seems that, in the 21st century, fresh water will be the new oil.

Teri Adams, Abu Dhabi

We're all working for the weekend

The announcement about working hours in the private sector (Two-day weekend for all employees, February 13) is really good news for all employees.

A Sharrief, Abu Dhabi

With most of us stressed and exhausted, running around trying to make money and unwillingly neglecting our family life, it would be a fantastic move for us all to have a two-day weekend. Moiz SA, Sharjah

Father's wisdom shines through

I am writing in response to your interview with the father of one of the 17 men who have been saved from death row in Sharjah and deported to India (A father who cannot rejoice in his son's return, February 15).

This man, Piarelal, is a wise and good father.

He is helping his son, but at the same time he is not like the other parents who are in denial and who say their children did not commit the crime for which they are accused.

These other parents are not helping their children, because the first step towards rehabilitation is acceptance of what has been done.

After that it is time to show repentance through good actions and behaviour.

Name withheld by request