The Deadly Trap

In Europe we are taught from pre-school days onwards where to cross the street savely. One of the "save spots" are the well known Zebra crossings, that also taught me the name of an exotic animal before some of the more common, local species.

However, should you ever come to the Persian Gulf and happen to be a pedestrian, then be warned. Well, of course, like in any other wealthy country, there are plenty of zebra crossings in this part of the world, and as part of international traffic regulations the same rules apply to the crossing of these road stripes as in Europe. At least theoretically. But here lies the very fine, but extremely crucial difference that turn zebra crossings on our streets into deadly traps .

Contrary to our European traffic participants who are certain of the fact that a zebra crossing is a point where a pedestrian is able to cross a street savely, which also means, of course, that cars will stop for this person to do so, in this part of the world you will risk your life if you trust international traffic regulations. Although car drivers have been instructed about these rules, they nevertheless seem to consider pedestrians on zebra crossings as traffic obstruction! Unfortunately, this is not a one time witness account. Once you are on the zebra crossing and a car comes along, you better run for your life in any direction that will save you. Not only will they not stop for you, but they might also hoot, shout and yell at you for being in their way in the middle of the street, i.e. their territory. So be careful! You might be hunted down like a zebra by a lion. It's just like a real safari, just that in this case you are the prey.