Dear Sir,

This has reference to the news item, “Indian expat stranded for 9 years finally travels home” (Gulf Times, July 28). In fact, the whole credit for helping this person to return home should go to Gulf Times and its journalist Ramesh Mathew who took the initiative to understand and analyse the problem and to bring it to the notice of the bank, thereby narrowing the dues down to an affordable amount. Others have only contributed to the great work done by your journalist.
This is not the first time that Gulf Times journalists have done such commendable works. The community greatly appreciates the initiative taken by your newspaper, not only the journalistic responsibilities but also the social commitment the newspaper has to the general public at large.

Dr Thomas
doctorthomasentclinicqatar
@gmail.com

A commendable measure

Dear Sir,

The Ministry of Interior deserves praise for its campaign to discourage the use of mobile phones while driving. The ministry, through a series of tweets, has warned the dangers of using mobile devices while behind the wheel.
We know that distracted driving increases the chance of a crash. Talking on mobiles and texting are on the top of the list of distracted driving activities. And drivers engaged in text messaging on a mobile are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event compared with non-distracted drivers, according to a study conducted by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
But even drivers who are aware of the dangers talk on mobiles when it rings, as if they are under hypnosis. We seem to have been conditioned to use mobiles constantly, checking on messages and replying, anywhere, anytime.
In another initiative, the Ministry of Interior has launched a discussion forum on its website to address the issue. The aim to involve the public in a debate about the dangers of distracted driving is quite commendable.
The ministry has noted that despite the efforts made by traffic authorities and prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, the practice is on the rise.
The forum seeks suggestions and comments from the public on how to discourage the practice.

R Rajan
ramur32@gmail.com