Driving standards in Qatar are good
Dear Sir,
Further to the letter “ Deplorable driving standards” by R Elkins (Gulf Times, May 5 ), I would like to say that my observations are somewhat different from his.
I’m an Arab expatriate and have been to various countries. I have had the chance to observe the state of driving and road safety conditions both as a motorist and a pedestrian during my trips.
And I’m happy to note that safety on roads in Qatar is one of the best I have seen. Both nationals and expatriates in Qatar observe rules and laws from what I have seen. The standards applied by the Traffic Department are international and are followed by most motorists and pedestrians in general. Traffic policemen are present on roads and at many junctions to assist motorists and to enforce relevant laws.
In Doha, most of the roundabouts are being turned into automatic signals at a fast pace to meet with international traffic standards. Most of these signals are equipped with sensors to detect traffic flow from all directions with 24/7 monitoring process by dedicated staff.
And the best is to yet to come. The first phase of the metro system is expected to be complete by 2018 and commuting will undergo a vast change from then. Qatar will be on the international map of safe driving standards in a few years.
Mohamed Qasem, (e-mail address supplied)
Always in a hurry
Dear Sir,
I agree with R Elkins’ remarks in his letter (Gulf Times, May 5) on the poor driving standards in Qatar. Many motorists I come across show no regard and concern for others. They always seem to be in a hurry. Where are they rushing off, I often wonder. If they want to reach somewhere badly on time, why couldn’t they start a bit earlier, is a question I often I ask myself.
In my own experience the worst traffic rule violators are those driving four-wheel vehicles. Most of them seem to think they own the road and look down upon those driving ordinary cars. Why is this superiority complex? Driving a four-wheel vehicles doesn’t give anyone special rights. Someone should tell them that.
NT, (Full name and address supplied)
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