(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The National Traffic Safety Committee, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Traffic and several member entities and partners on the committee, organised an event marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, held under the theme "Remember - Support - Act."

Marking the occasion, Director General of Traffic and Second Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee Brigadier Jabor Ali al-Kubaisi indicated that the event coincides with the commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which was adopted by the UN in 2005 and falls on the third Sunday of November each year.

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This year's theme is: (Remember - Support - Act) and the message is (Lost Talents). He emphasised the Ministry of Interior's commitment to continuing efforts with partners to reduce traffic accidents and their effects, in commemoration of the victims and in solidarity with their families.

Al-Kubaisi pointed out that Qatar has given great attention to traffic safety, and was among the first countries to develop a national traffic safety strategy, develop legislation and infrastructure, and implement awareness programmes to establish a culture of respect for the law and the road.

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These joint efforts have resulted in a remarkable decrease in accident and death rates over the past years.

The director general of traffic emphasised that the department, through its ongoing plans, aspires to enhance these results through community partnership, intensified awareness, and the use of modern technology to achieve the 5th strategic goal of the Ministry of Interior, which is to raise the level of traffic safety on the roads and in support of Qatar National Vision 2030 in the field of traffic safety.

He highlighted that during 2025, the department implemented several projects and programmes aimed at reducing traffic accidents, according to the targeted annual indicators.

Secretary and Member of the National Traffic Safety Committee Brigadier Dr Mohammed Radi al-Hajri emphasised that the theme of the event aims to remember those who have been lost and to support the competent authorities.

He indicated that nation lose large number of people every year due to road accidents, in addition to the serious injuries and the suffering they cause to the families of the victims and the material losses they inflict.

He said Qatar's interest in traffic safety stems from its awareness of its importance. It has established a National Traffic Safety Committee, chaired by HE the Minister of Interior and with the membership of all relevant authorities, as a leading national institution that is responsible for formulating the general traffic policy in the country in all its fields. He explained Qatar has been able to achieve great progress in reducing the percentage of deaths and injuries resulting from road accidents.

The Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al-Thani pointed out that this event comes as a humanitarian occasion that highlights a serious global challenge, as traffic accidents claim lives and property.

He indicated the loss is not limited to lives but extends to include the loss of human energies and talents that could have contributed to building a brighter future.

"As we remember the fathers, mothers, sons, and friends we have lost, this occasion calls upon us to renew our commitment to promoting road safety in Qatar, by raising awareness among all road users and implementing preventive measures," he added.

The Head of the Emergency Department and founder of the Child Protection Program at Sidra Hospital Dr Khalid Mohammed al-Ansari stressed the significance of combining efforts and strengthening cooperation to achieve the desired goals, intensify awareness efforts among children, and continuing to implement awareness courses and workshops directed at them.

During the event, Ahmed Mohammed Issa, a young man and one of the victims of traffic accidents, spoke about his experience. He was a former player in one of the clubs and in the Qatari national youth teams. In 2006, he was involved in a traffic accident due to excessive speed, which resulted in a serious injury to his spine that caused him to become disabled and use a wheelchair.

Ahmed suffered a psychological trauma that lasted for a whole year, but he was able to overcome it with willpower and cope with his injury, becoming an inspiration to others. Today, he sends a message to young people about the necessity of adhering to traffic rules and avoiding speeding and negligence, in order to preserve their lives and the lives of others.

On the sidelines of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims event, an awareness exhibition was opened with the participation of a number of departments of the Ministry of Interior and other entities, represented by the Department of Trauma and Accident Surgery, the Ambulance Service at Hamad Medical Corporation, the Qatar Society for Traffic Safety, the College of Engineering at Qatar University, the Doha Driving Academy and Al Ijara Driving School.

The exhibition will continue for two days, to highlight the efforts made in reducing road accidents and spreading traffic awareness. - QNA

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