DOHA: The serious risk to life posed by dangerous driving was underlined in the latest segment of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s (WCMC-Q) ‘Ask the Expert’ series of public discussions.
Fatal motor vehicle injuries occur at a rate of 14 per 100,000 people in Qatar (in 2010) compared to four per 100,000 in Western Europe, said Dr Sohaila Cheema, Director, Global and Public Health, WCMC-Q.
The interactive public seminar discussions are held at the Diplomatic Club as part of WCMC-Q’s SahtakAwalan – Your Health First campaign, to help the public understand health matters and encourage them to make positive changes in their lives.
Dr Cheema, a public health professional with an interest in road safety, said Qatar has made significant progress in its efforts to reduce fatalities on the roads, most notably by increasing the number of speed cameras from 14 to 84 in 2007.
Dr Cheema said, “Until 2007, almost two-thirds of all trauma-related deaths in Qatar were caused by road accidents and in 2006 traffic-related death rates reached an all-time-high of 26 per 100,000 people.
“Installation of more speed cameras made a very big and positive impact. But we must also accept personal responsibility in the way we drive to further reduce the number of tragedies on Qatar’s roads.
“I cannot emphasise strongly enough the importance of each and every one of us committing to driving safely. It could save many lives and families the heartbreak of losing loved ones to avoidable road accidents.”
Dr Cheema said it is essential for all road users to obey speed limits, wear seatbelts (drivers and passengers) and help ensure the safety of fellow road users by using indicators, turning headlights on at night, and avoiding aggressive or reckless behaviour such as tailgating, cutting in, driving in the emergency lane and overtaking in inappropriate or risky situations.
She stressed the importance of not using mobile phones while driving and said it is essential to use age-appropriate properly installed car restraints or seats for children and ensure all vehicles are in good working order. All motorcyclists should also wear good quality helmets.
WCMC-Q’s Division of Global and Public Health is recognised for its research contribution to road safety in Qatar.
It undertook a research study that investigated the impact of cameras on road traffic fatalities in the country. The study, published in Injury Prevention, a British medical journal, showed that installation of cameras significantly reduced road accident fatalities.
The research initiative was carried out in conjunction with the Supreme Council of Health and the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior.
The Peninsula
