According to a World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 30% of all road crash deaths involve powered two- and three-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and electrical bikes (e-bikes), with a grim warning that the numbers are rising.
Several risk factors for motorcycle traffic injuries include drivers not wearing helmets, speeding, alcohol impairment, mixed traffic conditions, a lack of protection from the vehicle in a crash and a lack of safe infrastructure for powered two and three wheeled vehicles such as poor road surfaces and roadside hazards.
The popularity of food delivery apps surged to record highs among locals and residents during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, Qatar recorded a significant increase in cases of motorcycle accidents treatments at Hamad Trauma Center. The numbers said it provided care to 93 cases of motorcycle delivery drivers with serious injuries in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 29 cases during the same period in 2021.
Authorities stress that the continuous increase in the number of motorcycle accidents used to deliver orders in the recent period has increased due to non-compliance with public safety requirements.
General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) yesterday announced new process for order-delivery-designated motorcycles. Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at GDT Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Radi Al Hajri said the aim of the new process is to regulate the movement of road users, within the framework of the efforts of GDT and its keenness to enhance road safety.
He reviewed stipulations on the Traffic Law Decree No. 19 for the year 2007, which stated that containers carrying parcels must be placed on top of the vehicle, organized, arranged, fixed, or tied safely so that it is not subject to moving or dropping. The length of the container must not exceed 120 cm, while its width must not exceed 60 cm, and it must not block the driver’s view.
Al Hajri added that these measures, which have been implemented based on the recommendations of a workshop organized by the directorate with the relevant authorities, include several requirements for the driver, the motorcycle, and the container. These measures will be implemented as of November 11, 2022.
Owners of the relevant companies have been urged to abide by the new measures and requirements. Non-compliance with these measures is a violation of Article 85, third paragraph, with a fine totaling QR1500.
