Doha
There has been an increase in the number of vehicles by 16% and accidents by 14% between 1995-2013 in Qatar, revealed a study by Qatar Road Safety Studies Centre (QRSSC) at Qatar University (QU).
The study was sponsored by ExxonMobil Qatar to support its efforts in finding solutions to road safety challenges in Qatar. In his research study titled “In-depth analysis of vehicle accidents in Qatar”, Prof Abdelmagid Hammuda, QRSSC research associate, noted that the percentage of accidents was lower in the first quarter of the year, and increased in the second and the fourth quarters.
The highest fatalities due to traffic accidents occur on Sundays and Mondays from 6pm to 9pm, Dr Hammuda said, adding that 90% of the fatalities were male 20-30 years of age, and the most critical accidents were caused by drivers with less than four years’ driving experience.
The findings were revealed at an event attended by QU vice president for research Dr Hassan al-Derham, vice president and chief financial officer Dr Humaid al-Midfaa, QRSSC director Dr Khalifa al-Khalifa, QU Social and Economic Survey Research Institute director Dr Darwish al-Emadi, ExxonMobil Qatar's vice president of government and public affairs Saleh al-Mana, national development manager Abdullatif al-Naimi, Traffic Department director Brigadier Mohamed Saad al-Kharji, National Committee for Traffic Safety general secretary Brigadier Mohamed al-Malki, as well as faculty and staff.
Presentations were delivered on topics including in-depth analysis of vehicle accidents in Qatar, prediction of road accidents in Qatar by 2022, and pedestrian safety enhancement in Qatar. Studies in-progress on assessment of road safety awareness campaigns and the safety of Doha’s highways were also presented by QRSSC research team.
CENG dean Dr Rashid Alammari said: “Road safety is a crucial area of interest in Qatar, as the country is developing very fast. The College of Engineering continues to demonstrate its commitment to citizen safety on Qatar’s roads and highways by engaging in a range of research, professional development training, and community awareness programs with a number of leading organisations.”
Alistair Routledge president and general manager of ExxonMobil Qatar said “At ExxonMobil, we take safety very seriously – it is a value that shapes all decision-making at every level. We are pleased to see the progress that has been made towards protecting drivers and pedestrians on Qatar’s roads.”
Brig al-Kharji thanked Qatar University for its continuous support in providing communication and consultations with the Traffic Department and in developing various road safety initiatives. He also noted the importance of fostering efforts of both parties to raise the community’s awareness of Qatar’s traffic safety challenges.
