Road traffic accidents in Qatar saw a significant decrease of 14 percent in June as compared to the previous month, according to the National Planning Council’s latest statistics. In June, there were a total of 647 traffic accidents, down from 752 in May. The number of serious accidents resulting in deaths also decreased by 17.6 percent, with 14 deaths in June compared to 17 in May. The majority of accidents were minor, with 30 major accidents in May and 36 in June.
For the first half of the year, Qatar recorded a total of 4,562 traffic accidents, including 83 deaths, 238 major accidents, and 4,241 minor accidents. June also marked a decrease in overall traffic violations, with 200,327 violations recorded, down 9.3 percent year-on-year and 6.7 percent month-on-month. The majority of violations were related to speed limits, with 100,842 violations, followed by traffic movement violations and stand and wait rules violations.
The improvement in road safety can be attributed to the efforts of the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Traffic and other authorities in making Qatar’s roads safer. These efforts include safe road infrastructure development, increased monitoring, awareness campaigns, and ensuring vehicle fitness. To enforce road safety rules, traffic police are monitoring violations related to seatbelt and mobile phone use through surveillance cameras installed along roads and intersections.
Starting from September 1, 2024, traffic law violators in Qatar will not be allowed to leave the country through any state border without paying fines and dues. This measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with traffic laws and promoting road safety. The Traffic Law No. (19) of 2007 mandates that both the driver and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle must wear seat belts while the vehicle is in motion on the road.
With a focus on reducing traffic accidents and violations, Qatar continues to prioritize road safety through various initiatives and enforcement measures. The decline in traffic accidents and violations in June reflects the positive impact of these efforts, highlighting the importance of adherence to road safety regulations for the well-being of all road users. By promoting safe driving practices and increasing awareness, Qatar aims to create a safer road environment for its residents and visitors.