Driving in Doha
Since moving to Doha I have seen many forums slamming the locals for their driving and I have myself been guilty of blaming them for the bad driving here but the issue of road rage has never really cropped up.
Today unfortunately I was re-intrduced to the warm fuzzy feeling of typically western road rage.
I was out driving in the Al Waab District this morning, minding my own business when I came upon a queue of traffic. Nothing unusual there or in the fact that cars were trying to push themselves from the slip road onto the main road.
I have to say that I am as stubborn as the next person and if someone pushes, I push back - if someone indicates and is nice about wanting out I am gracious enough to let them. I am a great believer that if you ask nicely you are likely to get what you want!
Anyway this idiot in a white Prado decided that he did not want to ask nicely and he was coming out whether I was in the way or not. Ultimately only our wing mirrors hit and there was no damage but like a good girl I stopped at the side of the road. He joined the flow of traffic to drive off, albeit he did lower his window long enough to shout at me.
I had right of way, I did not swear, I did not shout when HE HIT ME yet I was subjected to some guy giving me abuse because he had no patience or concept of giving way.
I was disgusted by his bahavious today but oddly reminded that it takes all kinds. When trying to pull back into the flow of traffic it was a nice Qatari that graciously let me out (after I indicated and waved).
Devi dare is not very bad here. You will get used to it. I was driving right hand car for all of my life before coming here in some other countries including your's. You will get adopt to it in no time.
Woah... I've been reading so many comments about how difficult (and dangerous?) it is to drive in Qatar.... is it really that bad? I will be arriving in Qatar from a country where we drive on the left (i.e. right-hand drive), and I already dread to think how I am going to cope in Qatar! Help!
A my fried was ordered to remove all the stickers on car windscreen and windows immediately. He was excused for the 1st time otherwise he had to pay QR 500. You have tto remove any Flag even if you displayed in bumpers. Rediculous.
wanna see arabian juvenile driving ? try searching for crazy arab drifting at YOU TUBE and you will probably have had some experience on this.
you try your flex on me...ha ha !
I've just been looking at the new traffic regulations printed in today's Gulf Times. I can't get my head around a couple of them, can anyone help?
#67 "To drive a vehicle from sunset to sunrise when the vison is poor due to weather conditions without using the following -
a. the hazard lights in the front and the rear but the flash lights should not be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
b. dim the lights when approaching a vehicle from the other side."
Fine QR 500
#68 "To drive a vehicle from sunset to sunrise when the vison is poor due to weather conditions without using the following -
a. the hazard lights in the front and the rear but the flash lights should not be opened when the vehicle is stationary.
b. if the two-wheeler does not have the reflector."
Fine QR 300
So if it's dark and foggy what should I do?
If it's daylight and foggy should I use my dim little flashing lights or my big bright headlamps?
If I break down in the dark I should use my flashing lights to warn other road users that I'm there?
Why is there a QR 200 difference between #67a and #68a?
Ha ha ha, you all assume it's only men who are idiot drivers. I've encountered women kamikazes too.
If you drive an SUV, you can drive like an idiot.
@gold24, yes it will.
(perhaps I should get arrested to prove it? :S)
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the new law wll not affect qataris...as i suppose..well, lets c what it does.
"I'll chase him until he stops and PAYS for what he's done."
let me inform when it happens. I like to see a good F1 race in doha.:)
I for one always signal, smile and wave. Common courtesy helps.
However when someone wants to squeeze at all costs and doesn't mind risking damage to MY car. I'll chase him until he stops and PAYS for what he's done.
Thank God it's not happened to me so far, but if it does, I'll take pictures, videos, and even record the man's voice as evidence of what's going on.
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Just that iz the ISO 9000 Logo... with a bit missing, but i will survive, iz OK to keep it...lol
and Hamlet, why are u so harsh on Egypt, i thought India was the worse place based on that video on the other thread... at least there are no roundabouts in Egypt, something invented by Brits for horse carriages...
i guess i missed it.well i guess i kind of like it as it is, if its ok with you.in fact sometimes i think of deleting it all together..unless u can find me some other better ones!!!lol
do it right - the first time!
Once again I have to say that all the people who complain from Qatari travel have to go and spenc a couple of days...just couple of days in ugly Egypt, then they will learn to appreciate Qatari traffic
"What makes you different can make all the difference in the World"
didn't i tell you to change it to : do it right, the first time, all the time? :D
pals dont lets get started on driving again,
lets just wait for oct 2
when the new laws come into play...
then we can all crib about how people flout the new laws....lol
do it right - the first time!
This totally chaotic state of lawlessness on the road, has Qatarized all of us; and i am not referring here to Qatari nationals when I say this. I mean this mad environment on the road has made most of us, including western drivers, into wild cowboys behind the wheel.
Best safe time to drive to look around is on Friday mornings, best time to do your groceries during Ramadan is between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.
Yeah, it's not just Qataris. It's all sorts.