Mobile phone use cause of most fatal road crashes: MoI

The use of mobile phones while driving causes more than half of the fatal accidents on Qatar's roads, according to the General Directorate of Traffic, Ministry of Interior (MoI).

Of the total number of traffic accidents recorded recently, mobile phone usage caused 51.6% of deaths, 52.2% of serious injuries and 44.1% of minor injuries, according to data available with the directorate.This was revealed on Sunday during a press conference held by the directorate at the traffic headquarters to provide details of the ongoing 'Accident-free summer' traffic awareness campaign launched by the MoI last week.As part of the campaign, the General Directorate of Traffic continues its initiative with a new theme this week: the violation of using the mobile phone while driving. The slogan of the campaign this week is “a phone call could cost you your life”. The campaign comes within the framework of the MoI's interest in ensuring the safety and security of drivers and pedestrians and their property, and reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, the ministry has said in a statement.Major Mohamed Jassim al-Thani addressing the press conference on Sunday. PICTURE: ThajudheenMajor Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, head of traffic at the South Security Department, said the violation involving the use of mobile phones while driving ranks second among the most common violations that cause traffic accidents. Overspeeding is first on the list, he informed. The MoI official said the impact of using mobile phone or other devices would result in affecting onetarget="_blank"'>