Cheap car hire Bahrain - Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

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Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Fair

Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, Bahrain traffic moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a fine of at least 50 Bahrain Dinars for speeding (speed limits range from 50 to 100 km per hour), it is not uncommon to be passed by cars traveling 120 to 140 km per hour on the highway. A car flashing its high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.

Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). If involved in an accident, drivers may not move their vehicles until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.

Emergency numbers are as follows:

Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999
Traffic/Accidents: 17688-888

Passers-by commonly stop to assist stranded drivers; many have mobile phones and will offer to call for assistance. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can call for assistance from the red and white Automobile Association boxes located on highways.

Hitchhikers are common in Bahrain. While most hitchhikers pose little threat, visitors should resist offering rides to strangers, especially in groups. While rare, young men posing as hitchhikers have carried out carjackings.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road-safety.html.