Doha: The National Traffic Safety Committee, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Traffic, held an event on Sunday to commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The event, themed “Remember – Support – Act,” was attended by officers, representatives from concerned authorities, and students from military colleges and schools across Qatar.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director General of Traffic Major General Abdul Aziz bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized the significance of the World Day of Remembrance, a United Nations-designated day observed on the third Sunday of November annually. He highlighted the event’s purpose of honoring victims of road accidents, supporting those injured, and their families, as well as raising awareness about traffic safety.
Major General Al-Thani noted the efforts of the General Directorate of Traffic to enhance traffic safety and reduce accidents in Qatar. He reported a decline in traffic-related fatalities, with the death rate per 100,000 people
dropping to 5.3 in 2023, substantially lower than the global average of 15.
Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Radi Al Hajri, Member and Secretary of the National Traffic Safety Committee, acknowledged Qatar’s dedication to traffic safety as crucial for preserving human and economic resources. He credited the National Traffic Safety Committee, chaired by HE Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for implementing effective traffic policies that have significantly reduced road accident casualties.
Dr. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, Director of the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Programs Department at the Ministry of Public Health, underscored the global challenge of traffic accidents, which result in 1.3 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries annually. He called for heightened awareness and stronger preventive measures to reduce traffic-related injuries.
Sheikh Dr. Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani, Head of Vascular and Trauma Surgery at Hamad Medical Corporation, discussed the severe
health and economic impacts of road accidents and praised the efforts of Qatar’s health sector in addressing and reducing road accident injuries.
Assistant Director of the Media and Traffic Awareness Department at the General Directorate of Traffic Lieutenant Colonel Jaber Mohamed Odaiba highlighted the department’s strategy to address the causes of traffic accidents through awareness campaigns and partnerships with various entities.
Dr. Khalid Al Yafei, a pediatric emergency medicine consultant at Sidra Medicine, spoke about the vulnerability of children to road accidents and emphasized the importance of protective measures and quick medical response to prevent complications.
Saleh Saeed Al Marri, Director of Land Transport Planning Department at the Ministry of Transport, outlined the ministry’s commitment to enhancing road safety through effective planning and coordination with relevant authorities. The ministry’s initiatives include auditing road safety, updating bicycle plans, and developing smart mob
ility strategies.
The event concluded with an exhibition showcasing contributions from various entities towards promoting safety standards and a documentary on the progress made in traffic safety in Qatar.