Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Road Accidents
Some cities across the region suffer from congestion, with rush-hour traffic in Muscat, Doha and Dubai rivalling that of
Western cities. With the increase in traffic, traffic accidents have become a major issue (particularly in Kuwait, Saudi Ara-
bia and the UAE, which have some of the highest number of accidents per capita in the world) and are a cause for concern
for visitors and residents alike.
The standard of driving on the Peninsula is poor, largely because driving tests are less exacting or are illegally dodged.
Bad driving includes tailgating, queue-jumping, pushing-in, lack of indication, not using mirrors, jumping red lights and
turning right across the traffic when sitting in the left lane. Car horns, used at the slightest provocation, take the place of
caution and courtesy and no one likes to give way, slow down or wait. During Ramadan, drivers are often tired, thirsty,
hungry and irritable (due to the day's fasting), and everyone is in that much more of a hurry - generally to get home for a
nap.
The one good news story of the region is Oman, where (on the whole) drivers stick to the speed limits, let people into
their lane and thank others for the same courtesy. Use of the horn is forbidden except in an emergency and you can be
fined for having a dirty car.
Hazards to look out for while driving in the region include:
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animals on the road (particularly camels).
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dust storms that loom out of nowhere and obscure the road ahead.
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cars travelling without any lights.
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heavy rain washing out sections of road.
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sudden flash floods that sweep away vehicles that cross their path.
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wash-board surfaces (like a rumble strip) on graded roads that damage tyres.
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batteries that run out of juice without warning as they are quickly exhausted in high temperatures.
IF YOU HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT...
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Don't move the car until the police arrive.
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Don't sign anything you don't understand in the accident report (as you may be accepting responsibility for an
accident that wasn't your fault).
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Call your insurance or car-hire company immediately.
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Try at all costs to remain calm: aggression may be held against you and will only worsen the situation.
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The traffic police are generally helpful and friendly, and it's customary for men to shake hands with policemen
before commencing discussions.
