Gulf Times

Aug 4: QATARI courts are hearing a number of road accident cases, some fatal, as a result of reckless driving by both nationals and expatriates.

l A 27-year-old Sri Lankan motorist is facing charges of rash driving that led to the death of a Qatari (18) and a Bangladeshi (46), on June 25, this year. The accused was driving on the North road on his way to Doha when the accident occurred.

l A 26-year-old Qatari motorist is facing charges of reckless driving which led to the death of a 49-year old Bangladeshi cyclist on December 18, 2004. The accused denied any wrongdoing claiming it was the cyclist who "suddenly crossed" the road.

The motorist said he had tried to avoid hitting the cyclist but in vain.

The victim, who had been in Qatar since 1981, is survived by three sons and a daughter, who have asked for blood money, legal sources said.

l A 36-year-old Indian expatriate is accused of driving under the influence of liquor and causing an accident on April 2. The man hit a fence in the Old Airport area. No injuries were, however, reported.

l A 32-year-old Qatari man is facing charges of driving under the influence of liquor on July 8. An official report said he hit a traffic police car while "racing" in the opposite direction on a street near the Al-Sadd area.