The national road safety campaign led by the Ministry of Interior and Qatargas must be given all support as it aims to bring down accidents and casualties on our roads.The campaign has special significance during Ramadan which invariably sees higher number of accidents as some tired and hungry drivers rushing home to break their fast increase the risk of crashes. Fasting certainly has an impact on driving.Nonetheless, there had been a significant decline in the number of road accidents during Ramadan since the Ministry of Interior and Qatargas launched the annual Ramadan Road Safety Campaign several years ago.Road accidents have gone down by as much as 45% following the launch of the campaign, Traffic Department director Brigadier Mohamed Saad al-Kharji said recently.The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Precious moments…don’t waste them through reckless behaviour - drive safely”.The fatal consequences of reckless driving and how it impacts the lives of family members and loved ones form the core theme of the campaign.Most of the accidents were seen caused by drivers’ lack of attention, sudden lane changes, speeding, running red lights, tailgating, entering a main road without ascertaining whether it was clear, and tyre bursts.Vehicle accidents can be avoided to a large extent if motorists abide by speed limits, leave enough space between vehicles, give priority to pedestrians, use seat belts, avoid using mobile phones while driving and stay focused.If one feels sleepy while driving, one needs to pull over immediately to a safe and legal place and take some rest.And those motorists, who cannot cope with tiredness, need consider using public transport or asking a friend or family member to provide a lift.With proper time management, motorists can ensure they reach their destination in time. Especially during Ramadan, time management is vital and hence motorists must leave early enough and provide for adequate time to reach their destination on time.“Road safety is our joint responsibility and it is only through collective, co-ordinated efforts by the government authorities, the corporate sector and the general public that we will be able to effectively raise public awareness on road safety and safe driving,” said al-Kharji.Spreading awareness is a key aspect of improving road safety and people’s driving behaviour. Poor decisions that people make while driving such as not wearing seat belts, using mobile phones, speeding and not buckling in children properly can mean the difference between life and death.Remember, it takes only a second for a serious accident to happen. By making the right choices with regard to road safety, we can save our lives and the lives of our loved ones and others around us!Road safety is our joint responsibility and this is the message Ministry of Interior, Qatargas and other responsible institutions and stakeholders are trying to convey through this campaign, especially among our younger generation.Let us wholeheartedly support it and work towards making Qatar roads safer.