Upholding the motto ‘Accident Free Summer’ the General Directorate of Traffic will observe a traffic awareness campaign in the country. The month-long campaign, which is aimed at curbing traffic violations and road accidents, will be launched on July 1 in cooperation with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI). 
While addressing a press conference that marked the formal announcement of the campaign, Colonel Mohammad Radhi al-Hajri, Director of Traffic Awareness Department, said the campaign will focus on field awareness. Awareness programmes, checks and inspection campaigns will be carried in cooperation with the Traffic Patrols Department and the Public Relations Department. “The prime focus will be on making the public aware of the rules of traffic safety and safe driving. Drivers, especially youngsters in Doha and outside the city will be made aware of the cause,” he added.


Officials attending the press meet

The press conference was also attended by Colonel Nasser Darman al- Hajri, Assistant Director General of Traffic, Captain Abdul Wahid Gharib al- Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer at Traffic Awareness Department and officers of the General Directorate of Traffic.
The campaign will focus on raising awareness against various violations that include driving without valid license, passing through the right side, using mobile phone while driving, parking in the places reserved for people with special needs and obstructing traffic by stopping in the yellow box. During the campaign, according to officials, various publications including brochures and leaflets will be distributed at public places, streets and commercial institutions of Doha and outside areas like Dukhan. Officials, during the campaign, will guide drivers on how to abide by the rules and eliminate accident. Authorities have ensured cooperation from media institutions and campaign activities will be carried in coordination with the ‘Talaa’ project authorities department in order to detect the violation of stopping in the yellow box. Cameras that were installed as part of Talaa project will monitor violation on roads and intersections. Officials said violation of stopping in the yellow box will be charged with a fine of QR 500.
Captain Abdul Wahid Ghareeb Al-Anzi, Traffic Awareness Officer, while addressing the press conference, noted that role of media in instilling awareness and traffic culture, especially among youngsters, is crucial. He hailed local media for taking up efforts to discharge their duties and extending support to various initiatives to raise awareness.