When Ukraine became an independent nation, the streets saw moderate traffic, almost all of it relatively low-powered Volga's and Zhiguli's, with a few UAZ thrown in for good measure. Since that time, the number of cars on Ukraine's roads has at least quintupled. Many of the new, high performance, mostly foreign-made cars have engines large enough to power the Queen Mary and fast enough on the roads to qualify for the next rally at Le Mans or Monte Carlo.
The increasing number of autos, trucks and motorcycles is a problem. However, a worse problem is that increasing power and speed has not been accompanied by the greater driving skills that are necessary for driver, passenger and pedestrian safety.
We asked this month's Board of Drinkers [all interviews were conducted at O'Brien's Pub]:
"Do you, or do you not drive an automobile in Ukraine and why?"
 Yes, I do. Why? I regard extreme sports as not providing enough excitement, adrenalin and nowhere near close to living to the edge. Driving here is the nearest thing you can get to have a kamikaze orgasm, out of body experience and believing that the unbelievable is really unbelievable. Finally,
it gets me from A to B.
P.S. It always ensures I wear clean underwear.
Danny Mandryk,
Director, Consoris Ltd.
In Ukraine 15 years
 I do not drive in Ukraine because I use public transport or taxis. I do not have parking problems, militia hassles, stress due to bad drivers and I can have a beer whenever I please.
Bill Atamanchuk,
Self-employed consultant
In Ukraine for a total of four years
 Of course I drive. To be honest, I find driving in Ukraine pretty straightforward after my last posting in Syria, where there was one rule, "If you crash, be in front."
Dominick O'Reilly,
Operations Mgr, Kyiv Duty Free
In Ukraine four and one-half years
 I have decided not to drive here, as I am afraid I will get used to driving here. Then when I go back to the United States I will get arrested for driving like a Ukrainian. I have been in 14 countries and Ukraine has the worst drivers I have ever seen. In Crimea they are worse than in Kyiv.
Jonathan Lichtman,
Team Manager, Miratech
In Ukraine 2 months
 I have driven briefly in Ukraine, Turkey, and Quebec, Canada, and back home for some time. Having the opportunity to drive and be driven in foreign countries can be both a pleasurable adventure and lead to occasional terror. With this said, while I was recently in Kerch and Koktebel I experienced more Ukrainian driving customs, some good and resourceful and some rather unthoughtful and dangerous. One could say from a subjective point of view there is a degree of controlled chaos in both cities and countryside by Ukrainian drivers as the relatively new car culture takes hold. I drive with a sharp eye, patience and then more patience.
Jude Peterson,
Fine Art Photographer, Art Consultant, Writer.
In Ukraine 2 months, planning on a move here
 Yes, I do. I drive regularly, day and night. I drive to work and for pleasure. I have a right hand drive car so that experience is even more "exciting." It makes adapting to the Ukrainian driving culture even harder. But I can now exhibit total disregard for other road users, overtake anyone in my way, honk my horn on a whim and drive like a local. As my father used to say, "Just follow what everyone else does." It's a great experience.
Paul Slayton,
Teacher, Kyiv International School
In Ukraine 2 years
 Having driven throughout Ukraine since 1995, I find this upsurge in high performance cars and irresponsible drivers in the past ten years overwhelming. Previously it was the questionable habits of the road traffic police when noting a foreign driver but with the recent rulings that was greatly improved. Now the problem is "New Ukrainian" drivers and their desire to change Kyiv into a Formula 1 track.
Willy L. Donahue,
Oil and Gas Technical Advisor
In Ukraine off and on since 1993
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