Qatar’s road have become much safer for commuters which shows how the country is accomplishing new feats in the field of infrastructure development. According to the statistics released by the Traffic Department, Qatar has fared much better than any other country in the world in the field of road accident deaths.
One of the most important indicators recorded was that Qatar’s average of 4.9 road accident deaths per 100,000 persons was a remarkable achievement as it is far below the global average. The global average was 17.4 deaths per 100,000 persons, 9.2 per 100,000 persons in high-income countries, 9.3 in European countries and 24.1 deaths in low-income countries.
The number of deaths in traffic accidents in 2018 declined to 168 in Qatar, figuring 4.9 per every 100,000 persons, while in 2017 a total of 177 deaths occurred at a rate of 5.4 per 100,000 persons.
The measures taken by traffic authorities has played a crucial role in reducing accidents. The steps include setting up controls and requirements for registering motor cycles and vehicles intended for transporting tourists, conducting patrols in the area around the clock. The authority also organise inspection campaigns on shops to comply with safety requirements, awareness campaigns in camps, schools and universities to introduce hazards and works in collaboration with relevant bodies to locate entertainment areas as well as carry out campaigns and road checkpoints to control vehicles and drivers in violation.
Along with these measures, the vast and developed road network has also played in reducing road accidents in Qatar and The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) should be praised for its commendable work.
In 2018, Ashghal was able to execute several regional infrastructure projects. It developed main and internal roads with a total length of about 175 km and the establishment and development of a sewage network of about 90 km and a network of drainage of surface water and groundwater of about 330 km. More than 5,600 lighting poles and about 14,000 parking spaces were installed.
As for the highway projects, year 2018 saw many new ones. Ashghal finished 100 kilometers of highways, bringing the total to more than 500 kilometers. It also opened 10 intersections that brings the total number to 88 then launching the programme.
With best infrastructure available and strict rule, it is now commuters’ responsibility to drive responsibly and play constructive role in the society.
