Mobile phone use cause of most fatal road crashes: MoI

The use of mobile phones while driving causes more than half of the fatal accidents on Qatar's roads, according to the General Directorate of Traffic, Ministry of Interior (MoI).

Of the total number of traffic accidents recorded recently, mobile phone usage caused 51.6% of deaths, 52.2% of serious injuries and 44.1% of minor injuries, according to data available with the directorate.This was revealed on Sunday during a press conference held by the directorate at the traffic headquarters to provide details of the ongoing 'Accident-free summer' traffic awareness campaign launched by the MoI last week.As part of the campaign, the General Directorate of Traffic continues its initiative with a new theme this week: the violation of using the mobile phone while driving. The slogan of the campaign this week is “a phone call could cost you your life”. The campaign comes within the framework of the MoI's interest in ensuring the safety and security of drivers and pedestrians and their property, and reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents, the ministry has said in a statement.Major Mohamed Jassim al-Thani addressing the press conference on Sunday. PICTURE: ThajudheenMajor Mohamed bin Jassim al-Thani, head of traffic at the South Security Department, said the violation involving the use of mobile phones while driving ranks second among the most common violations that cause traffic accidents. Overspeeding is first on the list, he informed. The MoI official said the impact of using mobile phone or other devices would result in affecting one's concentration and cause distraction of the mind. This is reflected in the performance of drivers, especially in terms of lane deviation on the road or a significant delay in reacting to road conditions. It could also result in a drop in vehicle speed beyond normal levels, and there is also the possibility of jumping traffic signals. Traffic awarenessHe stressed that traffic awareness campaigns, intensification of patrolling operations and the execution of legal systems have significantly helped in reducing this type of traffic violation, especially after the installation of security cameras on streets to curb violations.This becomes evident from a comparison of violations over the years. After 12,651 violations were recorded in 2010 and 27,735 in 2015, increased awareness among the public led to a drop in the number of such violations thereafter. For instance, the number of violations involving the use of mobile phones while driving decreased significantly to 10,654 in 2016, and this further dropped to 4,078 violations in the first half of this year, it was revealed at the press conference.Citing data available with the General Directorate of Traffic, the official said the use of mobile phones while driving caused 44.1% of minor injuries, 52.2% of serious injuries and 51.6% of deaths, of the total number of traffic accidents recorded recently.He noted that the slogan of the campaign is in accordance with the provisions of Article 55 of Traffic Law No 19/2007, which obligates a motorist to not use the mobile phone or any other device in any way that requires the use of hands for carrying or operation while driving. The law uses the term "non-use" to be more comprehensive than "not talking", meaning not to use the phone for either conversation or text messaging. The Traffic Law has stipulated a fine of QR500 on the phone user while driving as well as on those who are engaged in watching any visible material from a television or other devices. This has been done with the objective of saving lives and property, the MoI has stressed.