Tips to drivers for a safer journey
Dear Sir,
According to the statistics issued by the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics, Qatar’s population stood at 2,269,672 by November-end, with three-fourths (1.69mn) comprising men.
Over 53,000 people, mostly newly-recruited workers, entered Qatar last month alone.
In 11 months, the population has surged by more than 224,000. In other words, some 224,433 people have entered the country since January this year.
The figure excludes citizens and expatriates with valid residency permits who were outside the country by November 30.
So this means, there are more drivers and cars on the road, and with their increasing numbers there may be more traffic congestions in the country.
Therefore, now, you have to drive safely and increase your attention and concentration in order to be safe than ever before.
Don’t forget to accept unintentional fault of others to avoid accidents by finding out escape routes, completely and constantly scanning the vulnerable situation around you, till you arrive at your destination.
And always try to keep traffic flow as smooth as possible by strictly following road rules and respecting speed limits. Leave home early to avoid congestion and find out alternative roads to congested popular routes.
Keep the following points in mind for a safer journey:
lDon’t rush to be in time. Don’t hurry unnecessarily. Start the journey early.
The following top 10 ‘C’s will help you to be a defensive driver:
♦ Control - your speed and car,
♦Communication - keep it constantly with other drivers by indicating in time and in place,
♦ Concentration - throughout your journey,
♦ Co-operation - with others around you while driving,
lCourtesy - for other road users,
♦ Commitment - to your driving through the entire trip,
♦ Consciousness - from the beginning to the end of the trip,
♦ Comfort - for you and others,
l♦Convenience - for all other road users and you as well,
lCompromise - when necessary to help others.
If you are a defensive driver:
♦ you love yourself,
♦ You love your family,
♦ You protect your life,
♦ You protect your vehicle,
♦ You love other road users,
♦ And you protect them too.
Remember! The drivers next to you are not your enemies. Treat them just like your friends and your own family members. Exercise patience and try to a be a role model by driving defensively .
Follow the traffic signs, markings, safety rules and road rules and be committed to that.
Happy are those who are helpful, and merciful to others on the road.
Have a safe journey!
Suraweera Bogahage
Theoretical Division,
Qatar Driving Learning Institute
(suraweera_08@yahoo.com)
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