Road Safety: A Shared Responsibility

Authors: Anupama Jithesh, Dr Sohaila Cheema, Dr Karima Chaabna

Globally, road traffic injuries claim 1.2 million lives and injure more than 50 million people each year. They remain one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, particularly among young people aged 5-29 years. Furthermore, more than one out of every four road traffic deaths worldwide occurs among pedestrians and cyclists. Roads are typically shared by cars, busses, mototrists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Hence, road safety is a shared responsibility among all road users.

In Qatar, road traffic crashes and injuries have decreased, owing to enhanced road safety laws and enforcement. Greater adherence to traffic rules and responsible behaviour from all road users is key to sustaining progress.

Important goals for safer roads

Motorists:

• Wear seat belts: Always wear a seat belt, whether you are seated in the front or back of the vehicle, to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.

• Ensure children are properly secured: Use age- and weight-appropriate car or booster seats.
• Observe speed limits: Speeding endangers everyone and increases the likelihood of severe injuries or casualities in a crash.
• Avoid distractions: Do not talk or text on the phone, eat, or even adjust navigation while driving. Stay focussed and alert.
• Drive cautiously at night or in bad weather: Reduce speed and increase vigilance when visibility is poor or roads are slippery.
• Never drive when drowsy or impaired: Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or medications that affect alertness.
• Respect pedestrians and fellow motorists: Always stop at pedestrian crossings and remain alert near schools and busy venues.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regular inspections and maintenance reduce the risk of mechanical failure.
• Follow road signage: Read the signs and respect rules at all times to ensure a safe road environment for all road users

Cyclists : Remember, cyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules as motorists.

• Wear protective gear: Always use a helmet and bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.

• Stay alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or listening to music. Watch for vehicles and pedestrians at all times.
• Follow road rules: Obey traffic signals and signs and ride in the same direction as traffic within marked cycling lanes.
• Ride a correctly sized bicycle: A properly fitted bike improves control and stability.

Pedestrians

• Use designated walkways: Walk only on designated walkways or footbridges. If unavailable, walk facing the traffic and stay as far from vehicles as possible.
• Cross safely: Cross the road only at intersections or marked crosswalks, checking both ways for traffic before crossing the road. Always walk and avoid running across the road.
• Wait for signals: Follow the pedestrian signal and do not cross before it is safe, even if others do.

Let’s all work together to achieve the  global goal of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 percent by 2030. By building a culture of respect, awareness and responsibility we can make Qatar’s roads safe for everyone.

Sources: World Health Organisation (WHO) | WHO2 | Qatar National Vision | U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) | USDOT2 | USDOT3  

Editor: John Alexander Hayward