Crossing the line
In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, I have seen pedestrians display
scant respect for rules while crossing the roads in a hurry. At times, it is so
scary making me wonder whether they really care for their self and family when
they cross at undesignated sections of the road, even while talking on the
phone.
Here is an incident I can quote, which is as recent as two
days. I was driving on a two- way inside road behind Hamdan streeet of Abu
Dhabi. A well-dressed man was crossing the road at his own pace talking on the
phone, not at all bothered about vehicles coming from both directions.
I stopped and also saw another vehicle coming from the
opposite direction. Luckily, although
the driver was also on the phone, he saw the pedestrian and he too stopped and
the person crossed, without any care or consideration for both of us.
Witnessing his careless attitude, I tried to talk to him and
he started arguing that it was his right to cross wherever he wanted and
whatever he does was his own problem. I wished him good luck and continued.
Always drive carefully. Pedestrians in the UAE are still
uneducated as far as their own safety and the drivers risk getting involved in
an accident due to careless crossing.
So, be safe rather than regret later, even if the mistake is
not yours. Never use a mobile while driving.
Ramesh Menon
Short Take - Gulf Today - 24 May 2014
To read it in original, please visit GULF TODAY online
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