Tyre marks on Jelaiah Street in front of the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar and Qatar University’s women’s gate. Inset: the wreck of a rolled over SUV seen beside the same street. PICTURES: Jayan Orma
By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor
Tyre tracks on a sports ground near Doha captured the attention of Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the globally-acclaimed aerial photographer and environmentalist, when he flew low over Qatar some years ago.
The picture he clicked, reminiscent of an abstract artwork, went on to become a part of ‘The Earth from the Air’ exhibition, which was held on the Doha Corniche and many other cities across the globe.
Qatar’s youth continue to indulge in their pastime of creating such ‘abstract art’ by doing ‘burnouts’ (where the wheels spin, causing a large amount of smoke, but the car does not move until the driver “pops” the car into motion) and ‘doughnuts’ (driving a car in a tight circle while continuing to accelerate), dangerous practices which are causing many accidents.
Wide streets in a number of locations throughout the country bear the telltale marks of the ‘SUV art,’ as a motorist described it, highlighting the reckless habit.
“The Jelaiah Street, which passes in front of the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar and Qatar University’s women’s gate is a classic example in this regard,” the motorist said.
The wreck of a SUV that rolled over recently is seen beside the same street. “This area is the venue for impromptu ‘auto stunts’ after midnight on most days, and especially during weekends,” said a resident who drives through the street regularly after a late shift at work.
A street, that borders one side of the Qatar University campus is another favourite haunt of the ‘stunt drivers,’ observed another resident who lives in the vicinity.
“This street is deserted after classes finish at the university and becomes a ‘stunt’ venue, and we can hear the tyres squealing and smell burnt rubber in the air,” he said pointing to the tyre marks.
Given the high centre of gravity of SUVs it is very dangerous to perform such stunts.
“It seems the youngsters who burn rubber with their SUVs get a kick out of it and may be bragging rights in front of their friends,” a safety expert said.
There are a number of young motorists who do ‘burnouts’ and ‘doughnuts’ with their sedans, which they consider a ‘safer option.’
“Sedans do not topple easily like SUVs, so it is safe if you want to burn rubber and enjoy the thrill,” said a youngster who reluctantly admitted that he does some ‘stunts’ ‘once in a while.’
An ‘expert’ revealed it is better to do stunts with worn-out tyres. “The worse the tyres are, the easier it is to do burnouts, as they smoke easier,” he said.
All these ‘auto stunts’ can seriously damage the vehicle’s suspension, alignment and steering system if overdone, and not to speak of tyre life and the high risk to the life of the individuals doing the stunt,” a mechanic added.