Steps to reduce road accidents
Dear Sir,
Road accidents are on the rise not only in Qatar but also in many other countries. As a long-time instructor and lecturer on driving in many countries, I believe more practical training on safe and defensive driving techniques under qualified professionals is required to counter this trend.
The government should also initiate steps to curtail and remedy the following practices and situations:
♦ The issuance of driving licences without proper theoretical and practical training of the applicant;
♦ No system in place to monitor the standard of driving schools;
♦ Roads without proper traffic signs, road markings and warning signs;
♦ Incorrect road designing;
♦ Poor road maintenance;
♦ Corruption in offices that issue driving licences;
♦ Lack of qualified instructors;
♦ Allowing poorly-maintained vehicles on roads;
♦ Driving under the influence of drugs and liquor;
♦ Driving while using mobile phones; and
♦ Increase in the number of vehicles beyond the road’s capacity.
At the same time authorities must need to be strict towards all road safety rules. Tough penalties must be imposed against traffic violations like overtaking from the wrong side, not giving indicator lights when taking turns and for not maintaining the speed limit.
Suraweera Bogahage,[email protected]
Reference to Lahore incorrect in report
Dear Sir,
The blurb in the report “Shot Pakistani TV anchor stable” (Gulf Times Page 25, April 22) says: “Well-known Pakistani TV anchor and journalist Hamid Mir is recovering in a hospital after he survived a gun attack in Lahore a couple of days ago.” The place name is wrong. The incident actually took place in Karachi and not in Lahore.
Tahir Shah, [email protected]
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