Comparison of Road Traffic Accidents in the Middle East

amnesia
By amnesia

Someone said that Qatar was amongst the highest in the world related to traffic accidents, so I decided to do a bit of research.

Here are a few comparisons from
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/333/7573/859.pdf

per 100,000

UAE - 29
OMAN - 25
SAUDI ARABIA - 21
QATAR - 19
KUWAIT - 18
JORDAN - 15
EGYPT - 13 (Their traffic is messed up! I can't believe they're lower!)
BAHRAIN - 12 (very well organized traffic, it's only the Saudi's that cause alot of the accidents when they come for some .. 'activities')

Using http://www.nzips.govt.nz/documents/international-road-traffic-sept-06.pdf

As a source for other countries to compare

Here are the stats

Poland - 15
USA - 14.5
Korea - 13.7
Italy - 9.7
Japan - 6 (It's expensive to get a license AND strict)

Other HUGE amounts

http://www.nowpublic.com/china_world_leader_in_car_wrecks_but_india_is_g...

China - 600 die a DAY, and 45,000 injured!

I couldn't find info on India, except for it being one of the highest in the world!

Everyone, WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT!

and drive Land Cruisers

By amnesia• 6 Sep 2007 04:01
amnesia

lol I've thought about that alot too. I personally prefer a nice smooth and comfortable car, over a flashy one that hurts my back.

Just came back from Blackpool. It was... over-rated.. :P

on a side note: the only main problem I've faced in the UK with driving, is drunk driving. I was in a near fatal accident in the UK on the M25 thanks to one. Luckily, the barrier saved me. After crashing, I THEN realized my airbags didn't work! Not a scratch on me! But the other car was totalled.

__________________________

By Harley60• 5 Sep 2007 09:43
Harley60

Bikes of course should stay in the speed limits....but we all know that people with fast bikes and fast cars want to speed! How daft is it to see a Lamboghini on the streets on Doha? Yes, they look cool....especially the metallic green....and sound great. But, there's nowhere to drive them properly in Qatar.....if I had one I'd be driving through winding roads in the Alps!

As for driving in the UK...well, I'm a Brit and have just come back from holiday in Europe. Excellent driving every where. Sorry to hear you (Amnesia) are in Blackpool....try Brighton instead! :) Only joking, my friend. Take care!

By amnesia• 4 Sep 2007 21:23
Rating: 3/5
amnesia

@harley, i didn't write this post to prove anything except show a comparison of other countries. You try driving in the uk where drivers in town will drive inches away from you. The lesson being that we have to all be better drivers.

To those who complain that qatar is chaotic i don't disagree that some drivers are maniacs however you have to see that there are far worse places.

@ooo, yes i mentioned its per 100,000. I wish i could have more up to date info but that was all i could find online. Heh find more current stats i'll gladly add them. In blackpool at the moment so don't have access to the internet. Typing this with my n95

__________________________

By ooo• 4 Sep 2007 10:59
Rating: 2/5
ooo

Reading from the documents in the links, those numbers are deaths per 100,000 population.

The statistic in the Middle East is old though, year 2000 (while the other is from 2004). I'm sure the situation now here is much worse than in 2000.

By herne• 4 Sep 2007 10:36
herne

That's unbelivable, that Egypt is so low, I thought there were the craziest drivers in the world. The other must be India, sad that no data is available.

We all live under the same sky but we do not all have the same horizon.

By anonymous• 4 Sep 2007 10:24
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

Some days are worse than others concerning accidents. Generally I see at least one accident per day to.

I drive down the Al Waab Street to the crossing on Al Saad Street gong in the direction of the Sports Roundabout there are onging structural repairs on that street, do you think anyone reduces speed there, no in fact the race to get into the first place and are driving like maniacs. Nearly every day there is an accident on the Traffic lights because there is a camera there and people do have to stop otherwise their photo will be put in the police photo album.

Two weeks ago one driver drove into the back of my car there he just wasn't paying attention.

Good suggestion to advise to put seat belts on in the back of the car too.

By shreeya• 4 Sep 2007 10:20
shreeya

Just a question, do bikers have any speed limit in Qatar? I wonder, because I always see them going zoooom zooooom around the corniche at a fatal speed. Since you were a biker once, think you can give the answer.

[img_assist|nid=22259|title=Fruity..Kitty|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=135|height=180]

By Harley60• 4 Sep 2007 10:11
Rating: 5/5
Harley60

Dear Amnesia,

I seem to remember reading in the Peninsula that there were 266 road fatalities last year in Qatar. This is 266 too many!

You can present the comparative numbers any way you like, it still doesn't excuse the carnage on the roads in Qatar, or the abyssmal driving conditions here. I sold my motorbike 6 months ago as I had too many close misses. I drive daily from Al Salata to West Bay (Sheraton roundabout) and on average see one accident a day, normally at a roundabout.

Having lived here for four years you sort of get used to it. Looking at who seems to be involved in many of the accidents suggests that driver training standards amongst some nationalities is pretty poor. It would be unfair to point out any nationalities, but western drivers by and large seem to have less accidents in proportion to others (bearing in mind that western expats only make up 5% or so of the population).

Unfortunately, I find myself driving aggresively at times, especially when I feel pressurised by other road users. Who hasn't had a white Land Cruiser tailgate them at speed, flashing their head lights and horning.....?

Your advice to every one to wear a seat belt is spot on....and that includes those in the back of the car, too!

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.