DOHA: Most run-over accidents involving pedestrians occur at night and in winter which see longer nights compared to other months, according to an official of the Traffic Department.
And the highest number of such accidents have been reported from Industrial Area and Salwa Road due to the presence of large number of labourers in the first case, and shoppers crossing the road, in the second.
Low-income workers have become the major victims of run-over incidents because they form the majority of pedestrians and many of them, especially the new comers are not familiar with the roads and the traffic.
“Last year we registered 49 pedestrian deaths due to traffic accidents while this year 37 deaths have been registered until now, which indicates a possible decline. Most such accidents last year were reported in areas falling under the Madinat Khalifa police station and this year the highest cases were registered at the Industrial Area police section”, the official told The Peninsula.
He said there are multiple reasons behind the high number of cases in Industrial area, including that the roads and streets are not well-organised and there are no street lights in many places.
“About 70% of labourers live and work in Industrial Area. Besides reckless driving of motorists, wrong behaviours of labourers and their lack of traffic culture are among the reasons behind these deadly accidents,” he added.
He said the Salwa Road sees more pedestrian casualties with the long array of shops on both sides of the highway, and many people, especially workers, crossing the road for shopping.
The source said that most of the run-over accidents take place in winter, because more people venture out at night and the nights are longer, compared to day. More pedestrians are hit during night apparently due to less visibility.
According to Jamal Al Sheikh, Head of Division of Training Development Follow up at Al Rayah Driving School, more run-over cases happen in areas witnessing traffic jams and places which lack pedestrian crossing lines.
“Motorists must decrease speed to 30k/h when they approach pedestrian crossing lines,” he said.
He cited many reasons behind run- over accidents like the habit of some pedestrians crossing the road from undesignated places, without paying attention to the traffic. Some motorists fail to notice the presence of pedestrians at night, especially if they are dressed in dark colours, he added.
As part of a traffic safety campaign, the Traffic Department recently distributed safety reflectives to workers to be worn on their arms while crossing the road during night.
“The responsibility also lies on motorists who must give priority to pedestrians. Some motorists can’t care pedestrians as they are busy with their mobile phone while driving,” said Al Sheikh.
The habit of some pedestrians using mobile phones while crossing the road could also lead to fatal accidents.
