With schools to reopen, Traffic Dept. takes measures to reduce congestion, accidents

Published: 28 August 2024

Keep doors tightly closed before moving, avoid speed, and follow rules, drivers told

QNA

DOHA: The General Directorate of Traffic announced an integrated traffic plan for the new academic year 2024-2025, as part of its continuous efforts to reduce traffic accidents and achieve a safe traffic environment.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Traffic Media Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic Lt. Abdulmohsin Al Asmar Al Ruwaili said that the plan aims to facilitate the movement of vehicles and reduce traffic congestion on main roads, around schools and the roads leading to them, by increasing patrols and traffic police, especially at intersections and around schools that experience traffic congestion, in order to ensure the safety of students and all road users, Lt. Al Ruwaili explained.

The Traffic Media Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic pointed out some traffic safety measures, including ensuring that the vehicle door is tightly closed before moving, avoiding excessive speed especially on roads near or surrounding schools, not opening the vehicle doors until it comes to a complete stop, and organizing students’ getting on and off buses according to the safety procedures followed in this regard.

He also advised school bus supervisors to monitor students during their trips to and from schools and guide them towards the correct behavior that ensures their safety and the safety of their colleagues. He also stressed the importance of adhering to calm and order inside the school bus and not distracting the driver to avoid traffic accidents.

He added that road traffic is also monitored through the (Tala’a) cameras that transmit a live image of vehicle movement, allowing traffic police to intervene quickly in emergency situations.

Keeping pace with the increasing traffic flow and technological development, the General Directorate of Traffic has worked to update its fleet of patrols and motorcycles, by increasing their numbers and adopting the latest technologies that enhance monitoring, surveillance and control of traffic, Lt. Al Ruwaili stressed.

Lt. Al Ruwaili shed light on the traffic campaigns and initiatives expected to be launched at the start of the new school year, and those related to spreading traffic awareness among school students.

He stressed the important role of parents and guardians in establishing traffic safety requirements among their children, urging them to continuously monitor their children.

He also advised drivers to adhere to traffic laws and guidelines, and to exercise caution while driving to ensure the safety of students.