By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter
There has been a significant decrease in road fatalities in Qatar in 2014 compared to the previous year, despite the rise in population, an official of the 24th International Traffic Medicine Association
(ITMA) Congress has said.
“Our statistics show that fatalities out of road accidents have come down to 8.2 out of 100,000 in 2014 from about 13 in 2013,” said Dr Wafa al-Yazeedi, chairperson of the scientific committee, ITMA.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of ITMA Congress, Dr al-Yazeedi said the decline in road fatalities is a good indication, especially when the population is increasing. “This shows that the concerted efforts of the authorities are paying off.”
The official highlighted that behavioural change is needed among motorists, especially among young drivers. “It is primarily the responsibility of the parents to raise awareness among their children about road safety and road discipline.”
Dr al-Yazeedi pointed out that the drivers in the age category of 15-25 mainly get into accidents resulting in many fatalities.
“The behaviour of young drivers is a big issue in Qatar and in many other parts of the world. Every one using the roads should take care of their health. The drivers, bicyclers, pedestrians and all others have the responsibility for the ensuring road safety.”
As for the congress, Dr al-Yazeedi said that it was a platform to discuss traffic medicine and road safety in the developing countries. “This is the first time the congress is held in the Middle East. So many Arab and non-Arab countries need to discuss many of the topics in the congress. Traffic medicine is a new terminology for many in the Middle East. It is concerned about the health of all the people who use roads.”
“The congress is unique as doctors, engineers, other stakeholders and government lawmakers have come together to discuss the issue of road safety. This is also an occasion to raise awareness and community education on these topics,” she added.