Fencing has cut accident rate

Dear Sir,

The views expressed in the two letters, “Road safety strategies”  and “Concern for pedestrians”  (Gulf Times, November 1 and  November 4 respectively), on fencing on the central reservation of roads to prevent pedestrians from crossing without regard to traffic are off the mark, it seems.
Pedestrians, I think, form the largest group of road traffic fatalities in Qatar. In most cases, the pedestrians involved in accidents have been either crossing heedless of traffic or had failed to use available crossing.
Both the C and D Ring Roads used to see many more accidents involving pedestrians before the fencing was erected as people used to run across the streets to reach the other side. The fencing has stopped the “unregulated” crossing to a great extent on these roads. In that respect, one should appreciate that the fencing has done a good job.
But I agree with the point that “the city’s road network will need more pedestrian-friendly subways and foot overbridges” especially, “once the metro starts operating”. But that doesn’t mean the present fencing has not done a good job in reducing pedestrian involvement in road accidents.
Doha’s roads need more subways and overbridges, true. But pedestrians should not be allowed to cross over on the busy streets wherever they want them to. Just as motorists have to observe traffic rules, pedestrians also need to respect them.  
Below are some safety tips for pedestrians suggested by some experts on a website.
lAlways use pedestrian crossings.
lNever assume that an approaching vehicle can see you, or will stop for you – wait until all vehicles have stopped before you cross.
lAt intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb, and while you are crossing the road.
lAvoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses.
lAvoid using a mobile phone while crossing the road.
lAt traffic lights, make sure that vehicles stop before you start to cross.

Rajesh Nair, rajeshnair.it@gmail.com

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