(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Ayeni Olusegun |
The Peninsula
A robust road safety research programme is essential to implementing traffic interventions effectively. Dr. Mohammed Y Q Qaradawi, Director of Qatar transportation and Traffic Safety Center (QTTSC) at Qatar University, has told The Peninsula.
Over the last two decades, Qatar has seen an unprecedented rise in vehicle traffic, which can be attributed to rapid urbanisation and growth of industry, commerce and employment. Hundreds of thousands of cars have been added to the roads, and the expanding infrastructure seems to encourage its usage.
Dr. Al Qaradawi said according to Traffic Police reports, most (57%) of the fatal and severe injury crashes in Qatar are mainly due to decision errors by drivers or risky behaviours such as careless and reckless driving. Others include illegal overtaking and speeding, abrupt deviation from lanes, failure to secure car brakes, and sudden stops.
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A recent online survey by the QTTSC discovered that of the 256 respondents, only 13% said they never used their mobile phones for calls in their last 10 driving trips.
To combat the potential fatalities due to accidents, the government has implemented several measures to ensure road users to comply with traffic rules and regulations. In Qatar, points-based fines are enforced and can lead to a driving ban depending on the number of offences an individual commits. Besides, speed radars, cameras, and mobile phone radars are also active on highways.
“To tackle these, collaboration with community groups and the educational sectors is needed to deliver clear and targeted awareness campaigns. Enhancing enforcement and strengthening traffic penalties to curb high-risk behaviours are also necessary. To implement these interventions effectively, a robust research programme in road safety is crucial,” Dr. Al Qaradawi stressed.
Dr. Al Qaradawi also discussed the importance of sustainability relative to transportation, particularly in the Gulf region.
Dr. Al Qaradawi said the region needs to harness the abundant solar energy potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Last year, Ashghal announced it had begun installing 653 electric chargers and 713 inverters in 41 charging sites under construction for the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme.
“Electrification of transportation is crucial to reducing the usage of fossil fuels. In the Gulf states, we have a very high solar energy potential. So, if we accelerate the adoption of solar energy, we can get the maximum out of electric vehicle technologies and achieve sustainable transportation in the region.
“In addition, developing public transportation options, mobility as service, and integrating all transportation modes to provide an integrated, seamless transit are among the options to achieve sustainable transportation in Qatar and beyond,” he said.
Dr. Al Qaradawi noted that the Qatar National Vision emphasises social, economic, and environmental development, which are closely aligned with the three pillars of sustainable development.
Still, while sustaining economic growth and social prosperity,“the environmental impacts due to development activities in Qatar must be minimised to preserve the environment and the health status of residents of Qatar.”
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