Crimson Heavens

I don’t think either me, or my husband will ever think of driving a car here in Kuwait. I mean, fine, we can both afford it, and hubby will not have a problem getting a license (despite of the fact that it is VERY HARD to get one..) through the power of, what else? Wasta. But with how many news about road accidents in this country everyday, I feel that it would be MUCH SAFER for us not to have a car. Besides, both our workplaces are not far from the area’s corresponding bus stops and we do not go far away that often.

Honestly speaking, I think, no matter how much of a good driver a person is, driving in Kuwait roads is dangerous. Sure a lot of people do own a car, and a lot of people do drive, but accidents here happen too often, and I do mean TOO OFTEN. And if you are an expat, well, big hassle for you (unless you have a powerful sheik as a sponsor or, more convenient, a friend).

The thing is, most road accidents involves some locals, who, at times, do not care much about traffic regulations. Some do not only think they own the road, they actually act like they own the road. They will speed, swerve, cut, and take-over like there is no tomorrow and well, they do not respect the cops. As for the cops, despite of probably knowing how to speak English, would talk to you in Arabic, and if you don’t know the lingo…well…you will have to call SOMEONE to talk to them…on the other hand, the other person would have probably exchanged pleasantries with the guy, called the cop’s superior which is a friend of an uncle or an aunt or whatever and the rest is history…well, in a worst case scenario, you’ll probably be history.

In this country, car insurance is definitely a must for vehicle-owners. And I’m not being all too paranoid or anything like that, but just being careful just doesn’t cut it here. I mean no matter how careful you are, if the other people who are driving on the same road are maniacs, there is still a huge possibility for you to get involved in some accident right?