GCC Traffic Week celebrations to feature a number of events

A number of local institutions, including those in the private sector, a number of schools and universities and organisations are participating in the 33rd GCC Traffic Week starting at Darb Al Saai on March 12.Director of Traffic Awareness and Information Department Lt Col Mohamed Radhi al-Hajiri said the week-long celebrations organised by the General Directorate of Traffic (GDT) includes a host of activities such as traffic awareness seminars, lectures, competitions, and entertainment activities.The morning events, mainly for school children will be held between 8am and noon. The evening events for public will be held between 4pm and 10pm.The theme of the traffic week ‘Your Life is Trust’  highlights the concept of safety to all road users. Next year too the theme will remain the same, as agreed upon by the traffic departments of GCC States. The GCC Traffic Week is celebrated simultaneously across the region since its inception in 1984 with a view to exchange experiences and expertise between the member states.Traffic authorities’ delegations will visit each other and exchange the latest initiatives, regulations, legislative procedures and traffic practices. Seminars and discussions will be held to enhancing traffic security and reduce road accidents in the member countries.The topics of seminars include “towards a unified media strategy to spread traffic awareness”, “role of community participation in reducing traffic accidents”, “role of old and new media in spreading traffic awareness”, “role of infrastructure in traffic” and role of women in spreading traffic awareness.The celebrations would also feature such attractions as a dedicated  play zone for children, traffic village, exhibition of vehicles, Police dogs show, first aid campaign by Hamad Medical Cooperation etc.This year a Souq Waqif pavilion is also planned where traditional goods, along with many restaurants and popular cafes would be featured.   Some of the country’s driving schools will provide practical training and tests for new drivers. There will be special pavilion for ‘One second’ programme and traffic safety engineering as well.The General Directorate for Traffic will conduct a traffic awareness short film contest. The contestants can exhibit short films under 2 minutes contributing to traffic awareness.