Use of mobile phones while driving causes over half the fatal accidents in Qatar
In a statement on Sunday, the General Directorate of Traffic highlighted that the use of mobile phones during driving is the cause behind over half of the fatal vehicle accidents in Qatar.
The directorate said statistics indicated that engaging in mobile phone caused 44.1 percent of the minor injuries, 52.2 percent of the serious injuries and 51.6 percent of the deaths, of the total traffic accidents recorded recently.
#A_phone_call_could_cost_you_your_life. Article (55) of the Traffic Law No. (19) / 2007, obligates the driver of the motor vehicle not to use the mobile phone or any other device in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving. #Moiqatar pic.twitter.com/xzw2qHrcD6
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) July 15, 2018
Under the ongoing "Accident-free summer" traffic awareness campaign, launched by the Ministry of Interior last week, the General Directorate of Traffic continues its initiative with a new theme this week under the slogan "a phone call could cost you your life".
Head of traffic at South Security Department, Maj Muhammad bin Jassim Al-Thani, said the use of mobile phone comes second among the most common violations that cause traffic accidents, after over speeding, which ranks first.
Maj. Muhammad bin Jassim Al-Thani, head of traffic at South Security Department said that the awareness campaign will focus this week on the risks of mobile phone use while driving, under the slogan #A_phone_call_could_cost_you_your_life. #Moiqatar pic.twitter.com/HMS8gmkW94
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) July 15, 2018
He said that using mobile phone or other devices would affect concentration and will distract the mind, which will reflect on the performance of the driver of the vehicle and could cause deviation from the track or delay his reaction. It could also reduce the speed of the vehicle to less than normal and also the possibility of crossing traffic signals.
He added that this slogan comes in accordance with the provisions of Article (55) of the Traffic Law No. (19) / 2007, which obligates the driver of the motor vehicle not to use the mobile phone or any other device in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving.
The law has stipulated a fine of QR 500 on the phone user while driving, using his hand, as well as on those who are engaged in watching any visible material from a television or other devices, with the objective of preserving lives and property.
The campaign comes within the framework of the Ministry of Interior's interest in ensuring the safety and security of drivers and pedestrians and their property, and reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents. #Moiqatar pic.twitter.com/WznGCXJ1qA
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) July 15, 2018
In 2016 the number of violations of the use of the phone during driving was 10,654 violations, 12,651 violations in 2010 and 27,735 violations in 2015. However it has significantly decreased with 4,078 violations in the first half of this year.
The directorate called on motorists to focus on the road while driving, and not to be preoccupied with telephone or other device, as it increases the rate of traffic accidents significantly and increases the rates of deaths and injuries.
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Source: Qatar News Agency
Seems nobody cares and respect about following the traffic laws. Most of the drivers male and females uses their mobile phones while driving. And lot of trucks drivers and delivery boys are using mobile phones while driving, discussing the owner location for to delivery. This causes lot of problems who drive car behind him. Another issue some peoples even not driving more than 10km speed on the highway and it causes lot of traffic struck who drive behind him. Highway petrol should take action against to these drivers who create problem for them selves as well as others.
Seems nobody cares about following the laws here. 3 out of 4 people in Qatar uses mobile phones while driving. Ever since the laws became strict for use of mobile phones while driving, I noticed an increase in mobile phone usage. Even with children in the car people use their phones. There has to be something done about this please. Everyday I see people driving in front of me using their mobile phones and driving so slowly and they don't even let you pass. I wish the police gave me a job to take photos of people using phones while driving. Please make the laws more severe. Thank you.