Qatar drivers avoid crossing the dreaded lineto give clearance to the ambulance
Yes, we have real ambulances in the deserts of the Middle East. No one riding up on a camel to assist you with your medical needs, although there are times when in Doha's traffic that might be more expedient. Respect for emergency vehicles in this country has been practically nonexistent. There are so many times that I've witnessed people actually honking at the EMS personnel to get out of their way. Crazy, huh? Times are changing, thank goodness, and people are being a little more tolerant of these emergency vehicles. I finally saw with my own eyes this week cars trying to get out of the way. They fell a bit short because they just didn't want to get caught crossing the line at a red light that would trigger the radar/camera to take their picture for an infraction that carries a hefty fine* here in Qatar. One almost cannot blame them. I can only imagine the hassle of having to show up for such violation and trying to prove that there was a valid reason for "jumping the light", as they call it in these parts. Regardless, people, get the heck out of the way. Lives are counting on you.
*fine for jumping the light: My Google search was futile. All links that I found to lead me to the traffic fines section at the MOI , instead took me to no man's land. Strange, indeed. I read through some discussions in Qatar living regarding the matter and the consensus was a fine of QR6000 for the misstep. In U.S. dollars that rounds out to about $1,650. OUCH!
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Well, it's not about ppl respecting EMS vehicles. all ppl are trying to help, but if you lined up in a long Q. From Roundabout to traffic lights. What can you do? nothing obviously.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the traffic line and the fine, You can cross it with no fear. All the cameras has video records, so it's easy to prove what was going on, but unfortunately you can't cross it as if you are going to continue to cross the junction. you can cross it to pass the EMS, then reverse back to your place.
Interesting...you can cross it to let the EMS by, but have to back up afterward? I can't imagine someone leaving your spot empty. I'm afraid that I would be stuck in the middle of the intersection! Ha, no worries, Naz, I'll do whatever it takes to let the ambulance by :-)
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