Aggressive driving has become a rising concern on the country’s roads, with many motorists reporting that the lack of respect and patience behind the wheel is steadily rising. Unlike other traffic violations that carry penalties, there is no law to punish what experts describe as "morally insensitive driving.”"Rules can control speed, seat belts, and signal jumping, but no law can enforce empathy and courtesy,” says Ahmed Badri, a Doha-based road safety consultant. "Honking unnecessarily, flashing headlights to intimidate, refusing to let someone merge, or tailgating when a car stops for pedestrians — these behaviours increase stress and risk for everyone on the road.”For many, the daily commute feels like a battlefield. "Just yesterday, I indicated to change lanes, but the car behind me sped up instead of letting me in,” says Abdul Kareem, a delivery driver with 12 years’ experience. "Another time, I was honked at for stopping at a zebra crossing, where people were waiting in the hot sun. It’s frustrating to be punished for doing the right thing.”The consequences can be devastating. One motorist recalled: "A week ago, my cousin’s car was struck when a pick-up driver ran a red light. Seeing him in the trauma ICU, struggling to recover, is heartbreaking. Walking through the emergency corridor of the hospital, you see people injured by careless driving. These reckless motorists are not only risking their own lives but destroying the lives of others.”The rising number of vehicles on the road adds to the challenge. The surge in online delivery services has also brought more motorbikes into traffic. Their smaller size makes them less visible, and in an aggressive driving culture, they are particularly vulnerable.Another group especially affected are mothers managing the school run. "School drop-offs should not feel like a race track,” says Sanjana, a mother of three. "But you constantly see drivers speeding, honking, or cutting lanes even near schools. It’s especially stressful for new drivers, who get intimidated and sometimes provoked into unsafe behaviour.” Residents have also raised concerns about overspeeding in residential areas. "Some drivers treat internal roads like highways,” said one resident. "Children play outside, people are walking to nearby shops, yet cars still zoom past at reckless speeds. It’s frightening, because one careless moment could lead to a tragedy in what should be the safest part of the city.”
A call for empathy Experts stress that while traffic laws can regulate behaviour, they cannot legislate empathy. "Many collisions happen because of pressure tactics — tailgating, lane-blocking, or intimidating other drivers with honking,” Badri explains. "These are not minor irritations; they directly compromise safety.”Driving schools, he adds, can only teach technical skills, not moral responsibility. "Empathy is not part of the syllabus, but it should be part of the culture. The mindset has to come from within — recognising that every driver is also a father, a mother, a worker, or a student just trying to reach their destination.”Among the most common risky habits is lane jumping. Drivers weave in and out of traffic in the hope of moving faster, but each lane change increases the chance of cutting off another car, entering a blind spot, or causing a collision. In congested traffic, this behaviour rarely saves time but heightens both risk and frustration.Another widespread practice is rushing through yellow lights. While the signal is meant to warn drivers to slow down and prepare to stop, many treat it as a chance to accelerate. Misjudging the timing often results in entering the intersection on red, endangering other vehicles and pedestrians.Aggressive driving is more than a nuisance — it is a public safety issue leading to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Experts say reducing it requires both personal responsibility and broader awareness campaigns that emphasize respect and courtesy, not just rules.Next time, before you hit the road, remember that showing empathy, patience, and a sense of responsibility can make all the difference. "We are all on the same road,” Abdul Kareem reminds. "A little kindness can go a long way in keeping us, and our fellow motorists, safe.”