In reference to your article A third of UAE drivers admit using phone at wheel, (September 3) I am proud to say that I am not one of those drivers. Nothing is so important that it cannot wait.
I chase drivers that do this and give them a piece of my mind. They are putting not only their lives in danger but others’ too.
Rejane Serao, Abu Dhabi
I have often seen cars swerving and zigzagging as if the drivers were drunk. I have found that texting behind the wheel and drink-driving have the same impact on driving.
J Smith, Dubai
I don’t understand why the UAE does not have stronger laws to curb dangerous driving. With so many cameras to monitor the roads, it should not be a tough task. Catch the errant motorists, give them hefty fines and black points. The authorities will have to cancel more driving licences. Mobile phones are responsibile for a staggering number of accidents in this country. The other reasons include not using indicators and disregarding the signal. I am a biker and I know how hard it is to navigate the roads in Abu Dhabi.
Gérald Bau, Abu Dhabi
I have a hands-free, so if anyone calls I’m not distracted. I also wait until I have stopped the car if anyone texts me.
Lisa Baldwin, Abu Dhabi
British schools good for learning
I would love to see more Emirati teachers in the established British-curriculum schools (Emirati teachers begin their careers, August 31). Those teachers can learn from the best practices and implement them in Government schools.
Ameerah Heerden, Dubai
Time to sort out issues over VoIP
Isn't it about time du and Etisalat got things sorted on VoIP (Telecoms regulator says Viber is 'unlicensed' in the UAE, September 3)? With so many expatriates in the UAE wanting to talk to family and friends in other countries, VoIP is really the only viable option short of taking out a mortgage to pay the phone bill.
Ben Adamson, Dubai
Scotland has robust economy
I refer to the opinion article Why do we trust economists about Scotland when they are so error-prone? (September 3).
I wouldn’t be surprised if the vote was in favour of separation. While there is nothing wrong with nationalism, one must be practical at the same time. Quebec for example never succeeded in its quest to separate from Canada. The nationalistic pride was undoubtedly overwhelming, but the economic feasibility could not justify separation.
Scotland’s economy is dependent on hydrocarbons, which is a non-renewable resource. However, it is well-known that Scotland has one of the most diversified economies in the UK. It has everything, from heavy manufacturing to agriculture, textiles, construction, tourism, fishing, mining, education and financial services. They are self-sufficient in power generation and set to become a leader in renewable energy by 2020. Can Scotland be economically independent? It probably can, provided it maintains good trade relations with the UK, EU and the rest of the world.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
The UK does not want Scotland to leave them because Scotland is rich in tradition and businesses, bringing in much money to the royal coffers. If you ever visited Scotland, you will know how hardworking, inventive and proud the Scottish people are. They can very well take care of themselves.
Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi
Nursing exam can solve problem
Perhaps a unilateral nursing competency exam could be introduced, which would level the playing field (UAE nurses face violent behaviour at work, September 2). Then all nursing staff will have to take the same exam that will result in cohesive planning, implementation and treatment interventions. This would ensure any type of perceived or real deficiencies are dealt with.
Make it an even playing field so that no one can complain, assume, bully and intimidate. Also make sure language barriers are dropped with unbiased interpreters.
Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi
