It's not just my opinion...

Of course this is about my favourite topic - driving - what else?? Just so you know it's not just me ranting and exaggerating, I will quote from the Qatar 2007 Crime & Safety Report compiled by the U.S. Embassy and State Department:

"Driving in Qatar is likened to participating in an extreme sport; drivers often manoeuvre erratically and at high speed, demonstrate little road discipline or courtesy, fail to turn on their headlights during hours of darkness or inclement weather, and do not use seat belts - all resulting in a high vehicular accident rate (in excess of 70,000 annually). In fact, traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death (estimates are in excess of 130 annual foreigner deaths and in excess of 300 annual locals deaths). Foreigners who lose their temper and engage in road rage could face civil and/or criminal penalties, or even a travel ban preventing the offender/traveller from departing the country until the matter is resolved to the offended party's satisfaction."

And this one:

"The existing road network in metro Doha, though generally in good repair (?!), is increasingly strained and unable to handle current traffic levels. This is exacerbated by the use of dated UK-styled traffic roundabouts. In spite of aggressive road construction plans, the government will not be able to keep pace with projected traffic volumes for the next 3 to 5 years. Outside of the city, the roadways range between average to poor, are rarely lit, and unshouldered, are subject to wandering animals in the road, and frequently are muddy or washed out during the winter rainy season."

So there you have it - I am participating in an extreme sport .....wonder if my insurance agent knows that??