The General Directorate of Traffic in Doha, Qatar has announced an integrated traffic plan for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. The plan is part of the continuous efforts to reduce traffic accidents and create a safe traffic environment in the country. According to Traffic Media Officer Lt. Abdulmohsin Al Asmar Al Ruwaili, the plan focuses on controlling traffic flow during the school year to ensure safety for students and all road users. This includes increasing patrols and traffic police presence, especially around schools and main roads.
The plan also utilizes (Tala’a) cameras to monitor road traffic in real-time, allowing for quick intervention in emergency situations. Over the years, the department has accumulated experience in developing comprehensive plans based on statistics and traffic data, leading to a reduction in traffic accidents. Lt. Al Ruwaili highlighted the importance of cooperation between the General Directorate of Traffic and various entities to implement best practices for road safety.
With the increasing traffic flow and technological advancements, the General Directorate of Traffic has updated its fleet of patrols and motorcycles. The department has adopted the latest technologies to enhance monitoring, surveillance, and control of traffic. Lt. Al Ruwaili emphasized the importance of updating electronic traffic systems to provide the best solutions for road safety challenges. The unified radar system for monitoring seat belt violations and the use of mobile phones while driving has been introduced to reduce traffic accidents significantly.
The department is set to launch traffic campaigns and initiatives at the start of the new school year to spread traffic awareness among school students. The annual “Back to School” campaign includes various awareness activities for students, school bus drivers, and safety officials in schools, attracting thousands of participants each year. Lt. Al Ruwaili stressed the role of parents and guardians in promoting traffic safety among children, urging them to monitor their children continuously.
Drivers are advised to follow traffic laws and guidelines and exercise caution while driving, especially around schools. School bus drivers, vehicle drivers transporting students, and school safety officials are instructed to adhere to necessary safety procedures. lt. Al Ruwaili highlighted some traffic safety measures, such as ensuring the vehicle door is closed tightly before moving, avoiding excessive speed near schools, and organizing students’ entry and exit from buses according to safety procedures. School bus supervisors are encouraged to monitor students and guide them towards safe behavior to prevent accidents. With these measures in place, the General Directorate of Traffic aims to create a safer traffic environment for all road users in Qatar.
