People who use mobile phones while driving will be booked on the spot by traffic patrols and security personnel, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) has warned.
The ministry, through a series of tweets yesterday, reiterated the dangers of using mobile devices while behind the wheel and advised motorists not to engage in such acts.
“Using mobile devices while driving will reduce your concentration and cause accidents. Don’t risk your life and that of others,” the MoI said. “It takes a second or less to make a difference between life and death.”
Continuing its efforts to raise awareness of the risks involved in using mobile devices while driving, the ministry recently launched a discussion forum on its website to address the issue and find ways to prevent the practice.
“It’s a widespread practice to use mobile phones for talking, texting or using applications while driving a car. This wrong behaviour has great risks, which may end in disastrous consequences,” the MoI had said.
The ministry further noted that despite the efforts made by the traffic authorities and prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, the practice is on the rise, especially with the spread of different apps and smartphone games.
The MoI has sought suggestions and comments from the public on how to prevent the practice.
In a related development, Gulf Times recently reported that Qatar Mobility Innovation Centre (QMIC) would soon launch the test of an application that could restrict people from using mobile phones while behind the wheel.
Dr Adnan Abu-Dayya, executive director and CEO of QMIC said they could embed the technology in a mobile through a software that could detect whether the person was driving or not.
It can also set the speed limit within which the phone can be used. The software can be set in such a fashion that either the person can control the phone or the app itself will control the phone.