MOI tells drivers to hang up phones..

HTC Titan II Sequels aren't always that exciting, but when you take an already popular and solid smartphone and add exciting features like LTE 4G and a whopping 16 megapixel camera, you've got our attention.

straight talk smartphones but the exterior has gotten a cosmetic lift with pleasing and un-slippery soft touch finishes and a curved chin with curved glass. The Titan II has a front video chat camera, and the usual WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and FM radio. But it's that big screen and 16MP camera that really steal the show.

It is the responsibilty of ecery driver to follow the safety while driving in order to avoid accidents

This tragic incident coincided with the day that Qatargas and the Ministry of the Interior released a new commercial highlighting the 3 major causes of road accidents in Qatar - Racing, using mobile phones and reckless / erratic driving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA7T7Gug3qg

this is the violation that most deserves the huge fines..it's worse than running the lights, in the sense that if the intersection is empty, the light runner won't crash; but the texting/speaking driver without exception is dangerously distracted from his surroundings; he could hit almost anything around him..cars, people, poles, trees, he could jump the curb..i have personally had to take calls while driving; and without exaggeration, after i hung up, i could not remember how my car got to where i was at that point or what happened during the time i was on the phone..i swear it's like you see things but none of the information reaches your brain. More than light runners and flashing tailgaters, i believe this is the big one..anywyas, may god bless us all and keep us safe:-)

This laws will only be applicable to expats.... if you all know what I mean. LOL!

I'm not arguing. For some reason this is a personal argument or appears to be for you. Carry on.

MC, I think we are arguing for nothing. I don't say, no need to enforce the laws! That would be ideal world. What I say is Qatar is doing great by not ONLY enforcing the law, but also by spreading awareness, and educating people. And you say it's not necessary, which seems weird to me, considering from which part of the world you are coming.

And yes, in the countries where education and awareness regarding smoking are spread widely, people smoke much less. And not only because they are afraid of being fined.

And yes, in the countries where education and awareness about driving are spread widely, people drive much better, and again, not only because they are afraid of being fined. They are more careful, polite, and attentive.

Education develops a good style, deep understanding, and higher level of responsibility in general. I hope, you are not going to deny it.

Here is simple example of how education can change people. Until now, in some places of the world people still don’t wash their hands before having a meal. And hey, there is NO law which forces you to wash your hands. But in some parts of the world people wash hands voluntary, while in the other parts they still don't care about this simple procedure! You are I, and others, do a LOT of things, because we or our mothers/fathers or grandmothers/grandfathers got educated and got aware of these things. It became normal part of our lives.

Inculcating of some habits might take generation(s). And I am happy for Qatar authorities, that they understand necessity of such educational campaigns.

And education is 90% useless until enforcement is put in place. How many no smoking campaigns (health consequences, age limits on cigarette purchases) have been put in place world wide including here in Qatar? How many people do you know who continue to smoke (I won't even discuss those who continue to smoke in no-smoking posted areas) despite this education?

I know I didn't quit smoking until it became so inconvenient (fines for smoking in public places and businesses) that it became more convenient not to smoke.

I also am aware not everyone who violates laws can be caught - but if people know they won't be held accountable (witness those who smoke in non-smoking areas world wide including here in Doha - where they can be seen on security cameras almost 100% of the time) then there are those who will do so because there aren't any consequences.

Education has a valued place, but enforcement is the key to turning the tide. Why do people do the speed limit in front of the radars and then speed up in between? - because there are negative consequences to being caught and none in between. How many of us (and I am guilty of this sometimes) pass a police vehicle while speeding because we know he isn't going to pull us over and fine us?

MC, I didn't get your point. Are you against the educational process and for enforcement of severe punishment only?? Is that your point??

Well, law enforcement doesn't exclude the education. I think Qatar is doing absolutely right thing: NOT only enforces 1,000 or even 10,000 fine, but also EDUCATES. Guess what, NOT everyone who violates the law can be caught. In this case you have to put the policeman in every single corner. But what can dramatically reduce violations is Awareness campaigns and educational processes, when developed psychological bariers are preventing the person from the law violation, not only fear to be fined for couple of bucks...

im thinking the fines should be increased koz even a 9 year old who values his life knows text driving is SICK.

Yes QS, but the only reason they are now going outside is because they are being forced to - just as smokers were banned in my own country, first in federal offices, then within so many metres of the entry ways and then from bars and restaurants and coffee shops.

They didn't stop because of education, they stopped because of the monetary consequences and ENFORCEMENT.

Enforcement of the rules and regulations to any and all violators (preferably on the spot) is the key to the successful implementation of the rules.

LP and Mandi, it takes time! like if USA has always been the way it is now.. people cannot change over night. The idea has to settle in their mind. In order to stop doing it they have to FEEL it. I think awareness campaign is great efforts of the qatar government!

As for smoking indoors, it IS going away.. slowly, but going. People at our office used to smoke right at the office, no matter how many times they were warned. Few months later they finally have come to agreement to smoke on the staircase. Few weeks back they strated going outside for smoke breaks. And guess what, since it's a bit more complicated to go outside, they now smoke less! Isn't it a great result?

Again, Qatar is developing country. And I am happy, it is developing in a right direction!

It needs self-control that's all. Refrain from texting while you're driving. I don't understand why it's such a challenge.

Why warn offenders? Why not fine them?

Better make law against Headlight flashers and NO-distance keepers!!!!

If u drive 100 km/h at the place where limit is 100km/h

why the heck i have to move to the other line just becuase some Land cruiser wants to drive 150km/h ???

Every time i move like that i put myself in danger.

Isn't this kinda like the law that bans smoking indoors?

Mandi

As stated above the law has existed for years. The problem is that, despite a multitude of campaigns, idiots still talk and text while driving. Nor do they wear seat belts. The answer is draconian enforcement with fines of thousands of QR. It certainly reduced the number of vehicles that ran red lights.

"...the ministry is still working out how it will enforce the law." How long does the "law" exist? Two years, three years? They still don't know how to enforce it? Ha, ha, ha.

they need to block blackberry messenger services... thats the only solution i think....

GUD EFFORT

there is a fine of qr 500 already

Good

About time...But I don't think it will change anything unless they fine people

While I wish them well, enforcement (fines) is the key.