FACTS ABOUT ROAD ACCIDENTS: THE BITTER TRUTH

• 1According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year road traffic injuries take away lives of 1.2 million men, women and children around the globe. Out of this, The Gulf states alone accounts for 10 percent of this number.
• 2As many as 50 million people are injured or disabled by road traffic crashes every year.
• 3Road traffic crashes cost countries up to 4% of their Gross National Product (GNP). t isnestimated that developing countries currently lose approximately $100 billion every year. This is almost twice as much as the total development assistance received worldwide by the developing countries.
• 4Without action, road traffic crashes are predicted to result in the deaths of around 1.9 million people annually by 2020.
• 5Only 28 countries, representing 416 million people (7% of the world’s population), have adequate laws that address all five risk factors (speed, drink-driving, helmets, seat-belts and child restraints)

Cars In Doha Recommendations

• Keep Someone Informed

  Inform somebody or leave a note at home about where you are going and for how long you plan to be out. This way your loved ones will look for you if needed.

• Keep Your Identification Proof

  Always carry you ID, like driving licence, a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back.

• Be More Attentive

  Never assume that other driver will see you or behave in a certain manner you expect. Your safety on roads is in your hands, so be attentive and careful while driving. Take situation in your hand instead of depending on the other driver.

• Drive Smart And Sensible

  Make sure to drive smart and sensible, especially during heavy traffic hours and through narrow streets. Give way to other traffic and pedestrians. Don’t take unnecessary U-turns or drive on wrong side to create more traffic jams.

• Unplug Your Ears

  Avoid using iPods or wearing headphones while you are on a busy road as you need to be able to hear approaching vehicles.

• Beware of High-Risk Conditions

  Watch out for any potential problem areas such as entrances to parking lots, bars, and restaurants, where there may be heavy traffic.

• Get Accustomed to The Traffic Culture

  Familiarize yourself with the unwritten local “road culture” and road regulations.

• Watch at Odd Hours

  At odd hours (for example, early in the morning and very late at night), people may be overtired and not as attentive.

• Use Gestures

  Use hand signals (as you would on a bicycle) to show which way you plan to turn.