DRIVING IN DOHA - RULES FOR THE ROAD

Driving here is an extreme sport. Wish everyone would obey a few simple rules:

1) Number one is the biggest shocker---- remember, there are other cars on the road. I know, you thought the road was built just for you, but reality is there are other people in the world, and some of those people are driving cars very close to you. Be aware of their presence.

2) Pick a lane, stay in it, signal if you wish to change.

3) DO NOT tailgate, flash your lights, and/or blow your horn at someone doing the speed limit in the left lane. Often this is done while straddling the right and left lanes (see number 2), so the person in front of you isn't sure that you won't rear end them even if they move into the right lane.

4) If you do pass on the right (see #3) DO NOT immediately move into the left lane in front of the "offending" vehicle and slam on your brakes. (Just experienced this while chaperoning on a school bus. Our bus driver slammed on the brakes and we avoided a collision, but all the kids screamed. Have also experienced in my personal vehicle.)

5) Don't drive so fast - why are you in such a hurry? (There is NO WHERE TO GO!)

6) At the gas pump, turn off your car engine while having gas put in (we don't pump our own gas here). If you MUST leave the car engine on (again - see #5 about hurrying) then DO NOT move your car while gas is being pumped in! (Yes, I have seen both happen.)

7) Turn your headlights on at night (duh!). Check your tail lights once in awhile. If any lights (head or tail) are burned out, replace them.

8) Wear seat belts, or at least have your children belted in.

9) If driving a truck with cargo (like propane cylinders) make sure they are secure (have seen such cylinders fall off trucks).

10) Don't weave in and out of rush hour traffic (see #'s 2 and 5).