Using indicators shows discipline, not weakness

Readers discuss whether indicator use signifies weakness. Other topics: Panama papers, antibiotic abuse and teenaged motorcylists.

Readers challenge drivers who claim that using indicators shows ‘weakness’. Pawan Singh / The National

With regard to your news story, UAE drivers say using indicators is a 'sign of weakness' (April 5), it's not weakness – it's called driving "discipline".

Road etiquette should always be exercised for the safety of others and yourself. It doesn’t take five seconds to turn the indicator on and off anyway.

It took me over a year and four road tests to get my driving licence and there’s no way I will fail to follow what I was taught at driving school.

There are a lot of crazy drivers out there and I don’t want to be one of them.

Aimee Buscato Paragas, Abu Dhabi

Weakness? No, it’s a lack of consideration for others.

This is seen not just in these people’s driving but also in day-to-day activities, such as not forming a queue or cutting in front of people while walking.

Indicators are signs of courtesy and thoughtfulness, not of weakness.

Anita Welch, Abu Dhabi

I am glad to be in the minority who follow the “indicate, and wait two seconds rule” before changing lanes.

It’s a sign of a patient and cultured personality to use your turn signals.

Name withheld by request

I remember the lines for the roundabouts in Al Ain were enormous – not because there was a lot of traffic, but because it was like some ridiculous guessing game of who will be going where.

I was literally the only person on the roundabout using the indicator. If people cannot coordinate their hands, feet, eyes and brain, then I suggest they should not be driving.

Samantha Attfield, Abu Dhabi

What follows the Panama Papers?

From a personal perspective, I do not find anything surprising in the revelations of the so-called Panama Papers (World figures deny wrongdoing as Panama Papers turn spotlight on tax evasion, April 5).

The involvement of political leaders and their family members in what could be direct violation of the laws of their countries suggests that personal ethics have no absolute value when it comes to complying with legal matters.

However the Panama Papers also show that even if individuals, groups or corporate organisations try to hide billions of dollars, nothing remains hidden.

A thorough investigation is needed into these revelations and, if proven, strong action must follow.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

My question is what will happen next? Now that all this data has been released, will charges be laid?

What about the millions – if not billions – of dollars that may have been illegally deposited in these bank accounts? Will this money be returned to the rightful owners?

I’m certain that many countries would like to put that money back where it belongs and use it for the benefit of their citizens.

It’s not just Panama that is involved in this kind of activity. Will these revelations kick-start a global trend to identify other similar cases? In times of economic hardship, every penny helps.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Antibiotic abuse is widespread

Your editorial (Antibiotic use has to be controlled, April 5) called for action to stop antibiotics being available without prescriptions.

The problem is that doctors here often automatically prescribe antibiotics as soon as you walk into their office. Many times the issue is viral or something completely unrelated to bacteria.

Chris Reid, Dubai

I recently asked four pharmacies in Abu Dhabi for antibiotics and they all said no, so I had to waste a day and get a prescription.

In Dubai no one ever used to ask me anything.

Name withheld by request

No tolerance for lawless bikers

Your story, Bikers as young as 15 caught in Sharjah Police clampdown (April 4), was shocking to read. More than 100 of these motorbikes were unregistered and driven by youngsters, some of whom were only as old as 15.

It is very disappointing that some students engage in reckless behaviour in an attempt to impress their peers or prove themselves.

Given the dangers involved – and the way motorbikes are over-represented in traffic accident statistics – I believe these youths should not be allowed to ride motorbikes, and especially if they do not hold valid licences. This sort of unruly behaviour must not be tolerated.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah