Opinion 2014
‘Safety First’ mantra – Gulf Today – Short Take – Dt 18 January 2014
‘Safety First’ mantra
The year 2014 for the UAE literally began with a big bang when Dubai created history with one of the most exhilarating fireworks display ever witnessed in recent times. It took great effort and lots of dedicated man-hours to achieve the fantastic feat.
Meanwhile, the Chinese year of the Horse has already gained momentum and we are already into its third week within no time.
Promoting safety is one aspect I have been concentrating on for sometime now — especially road safety.
Whichever way one tries to educate people, it is careless minds and actions that spoil all the good work, which is very sad. However, our focus should not be derailed and efforts to maintain safety should continue with sustained interest and dedication.
The recent accident on Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Highway is a case in point. If only sufficient caution had been exercised by those on the road at the time, the accident – which was one of the most serious on the emirate’s roads — could have been averted.
The other day, I was overtaken by a minibus, whose speed limit is supposed to be 80kmph, while I was cruising along at just below that speed. Seeing that I was not inclined to accelerate, he began gesticulating and shouting at me. I gave him way and he sped past at a much higher speed than permitted.
I allowed him to overtake me in order to note down the details of his transport company so as to alert them about his driving style.
After a signal, when I finally caught up with him, by way of mocking at me to slow down, he began indicating to me the presence of a speed camera that was installed ahead.
The incident reinforces my belief that there will be no escape from tragedies till road users stop making mockery of traffic safety regulations.
Let “Safety First” remain our mantra for the benefit of all.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online (Short Take – Gulf Today – Dt. 18 January 2014)
Road safety is a matter for us all – Letters to the editor – The National Dt 14 January 2014
Road safety is a matter for us all
Road safety is a matter for us all
I regularly drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and concur with the views expressed about road safety in the UAE (Offences show a fatal disregard for UAE traffic rules, January 7).
I regularly drive between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and concur with the views expressed about road safety in the UAE (Offences show a fatal disregard for UAE traffic rules, January 7).
It all comes down to the attitude of drivers on our roads. It seems to me that it is always the same set of drivers who speed.
If you observe the traffic coming back from Abu Dhabi on Thursdays, or any normal day after 3pm, you will see many cars driving at a fast pace, bumper to bumper, with the drivers trying to bully their way past other vehicles.
The authorities should show no leniency towards anybody, as the rules are meant for the safety of everyone on the road.
The police and transport authorities should join forces with all government and private institutions to make sure that everybody understands and obeys the traffic rules.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online
UAE labourers seek shelter from the storm, but not from danger – Letters to the editor The National Dt 13 January 2013
UAE labourers seek shelter from the storm, but not from danger
UAE labourers seek shelter from the storm, but not from danger
Letters to the Editor
January 12, 2014 Updated: January 12, 2014 17:17:00
Your coverage of the recent rainfall (In pictures: Rain sweeps across the UAE, January 8) was very good.
This is especially so for the one taken by Sarah Dea of a group of workers taking shelter under a parked bus on a construction site. This will stand out in my mind for a long time – mostly because it is scary from the point of view of health and safety.
What would have happened if the driver rushed to the vehicle and reversed it? This photo highlights the shortcomings in safety procedures that can be found on some work sites in the UAE.
I hope those involved in this site will take appropriate action about the hidden-danger aspect involved in such cases and prevent accidents of the kind that could have happened here through the casual approach towards safety demonstrated in the photograph.
Let our motto for 2014 be this one: Safety first.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, visit THE NATIONAL online
Searching for answer – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 11 January 2014
Searching for answer
Recently, I met an old friend after a very long time. We talked about the years that have passed by. His children have grown up and are now in college.
I remember those kids when they were very young and carried the same memories of them even now.
However, while speaking to him, I understood that they were no more small kids.
They had their own views and clear-cut conviction of life for them now and ahead. The new technologies like Internet and other online facilities available to enhance knowledge are their aids.
It reminded me of my childhood and the lack of such facilities then. We were dependent on teachers and elders for guidance to choose future paths.
After my friend left, I kept on thinking about which is the right method – the older or the new generation. Haven’t got an answer yet!
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online.
Cost-cutting of drugs raises hope
Cost-cutting of drugs raises hope
With regard to your article, UAE slashes cost of diabetes drugs by more than 80% (December 31), this move could be termed as the parting gift of year 2013 by the Ministry of Health that might lead to reduction of the cost of several life-saving medicines, and especially those that deal with lung cancer.
Cancer treatment is one area which the ministry has to focus, specially as the medicines involved are extremely costly and many times not readily available.
As a result, there are many cases and instances where patients had to import them at their own risk.
The Ministry of Health and hospitals concerned, in tandem with the pharmaceutical companies, have to give special concession to patients who deserve compassion and care.
This move by the ministry is a great first step that will bring a ray of hope to many who are under prolonged and critical medical care.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online
Rein in the rage – Short Take – Gulf Today Dt. 04 January 2014
To write or not, has always been a mind teaser within me. Expression of thoughts as it comes has been an unwinding process for a long time.
From small topics to bigger ones, by now, it has indeed given me lot of space on the Web. As also, several contributions to the community.
Earlier days, they used to repeatedly say pen is mightier than the sword. In a way, it is true even now.
One such achievement is the effort for continuous campaigns on pedestrian safety.
The media and authorities are devoting more attention to streamline things to make our roads much safer.
However, there are a few who ignore the basics and cause destruction to themselves and others.
New Year eve was one such occasion where I witnessed road rage by many, for no reason whatsoever.
Some cars were moving at unimaginable speed and coming too close to the bumper.
I was imagining a driver who was new on the road to get in between these mad minds.
More needs to be done to alert authorities and control this tendency and try and curb it as much as possible.
There is no rest for me till then. I will continue to write, using all possible platforms. That’s the resolution for 2014.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
Short Take : Gulf Today Dt. 04 January 2014
To read it in original, please visit Gulf Today online
Taxi campaign is important – Letters to the editor – Dt. The National 02 January 2014
Taxi campaign is important
I refer to the article Dubai campaign offers visitors warm welcome and taxi advice (December 30).
Distributing information material to the public on illegal taxi service is a good move by the Dubai authorities.
Illegal taxis pose many risks to those who use them, because those drivers are not registered and the condition of their vehicles is not known. Nor does anyone know about the type of insurance they have on these vehicles.
Furthermore, these illegal taxis operating at the airport create a negative impression on the country.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit The National online
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