Qatar’s motorists have the most positive road safety perception among regional peer countries, especially in comparing perceptions linked to overall dangerous driving, commute times and infrastructure improvement, a new study shows.
The Qatar Road Safety Monitor, commissioned by QIC Insured and conducted by global market research company YouGov, is the first long-running study commissioned to quantify perceptions of road safety and the dimensions of reckless driving in Qatar.
Based on the views of a representative sample of Qatar’s population, the study aims to understand trends with regard to the biggest causes of accidents in comparison with the situation six months ago, according to a press statement issued in Doha yesterday.
QIC senior claims manager Ahmed al-Jarboey said: “There are plentiful opinions about various driving experiences in Qatar, but very few hard facts that provide insight into safe driving.
“Aiming to bridge this gap, we commissioned this ongoing study twice yearly to generate data and raise awareness for encouraging safe and responsible motoring in support of the goals set out by the Government of Qatar to increase road safety in the country.” 
According to the survey findings, a relatively small portion of participants – 22% of motorists from Qatar – state that traffic has become more dangerous over the past six months.
The highest peer country scores 53% in this category.
Similarly, positive trends exist with regard to commute times, with only 38% stating longer commute times as compared to six months ago, while 81% approve of improved road infrastructure.
Also, 57% of Qatar’s motorists claim higher driving enjoyment than six months ago, which is the highest value among the peer countries, too.
Although the comparison with the peer countries in the field of reckless driving is mainly positive for Qatar, the absolute levels of perceived misbehaviour demand more efforts of the involved stakeholders, the study shows.
This holds true for tailgating (60%), distracted drivers (60%), speeding (46%) and abrupt lane changing (43%).
Thirteen per cent of Qatar’s motorists have been involved in accidents within the last six months, which is the second lowest value among the peer countries.
Jarboey continued: “This unique perception study provides valuable feedback about the impact of the involved stakeholders’ efforts aimed at increasing road safety, namely government entities, the media universe and road safety minded organisations such as QIC Insured.
“We take pride in being at the forefront of such distinct initiatives as it endorses our efforts towards ensuring the safety of all road users and active support for the creation of safer roads in Qatar.”




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