Traffic safety outcomes of traffic law application and the adoption of new technology in traffic control
Authors: Younis Salman Hassan , Muslat, Mohammed Al Thani Thaera 
Published: November 2015

Experience of the State of Qatar
Introduction:
Since the second half of the last decade of the twentieth century, Qatar has witnessed the
implementation of a comprehensive development plan in various economic, urban and social
scales. This comprehensive plan granted greater attention to developing the infrastructure and
providing the necessary facilities. Road network development, with world-class engineering
standards, was conducted with a view to improving the transportation system and providing
suitable conditions for its sustainability. Another objective was to align the carrying capacity and
design components of this system with the increase in the number of vehicles and population
in the wake of the rising numbers of foreign workers and technical personnel induced by the
implementation of the plan, along with the soaring number of various driver licenses and
different types of registered vehicles.
Components of the Study
The study examined and analyzed statistical data of a number of elements, some of which are
shown in Figure (1) below:
1. Statistics documented by the relevant authorities, showing a rise in the number of
foreigners, which drove the population to grow four folds;
2. The number of vehicles registered at the Traffic Department, which also increased in
proportion to the rate in (1) above;
3. The significant increase recorded in driver licenses awarded by the Traffic Department.
The most important element in these variables is the number of injuries caused by road traffic
accidents as a natural result reflecting the above-mentioned increases.
Figure (2) shows the number of fatalities in road traffic accidents between 2000 and 2014, which
peaked in 2006 as the fatality rate recorded 270, unprecedented in the State.
Research Method
The research method has mainly relied on collecting, analyzing and surveying the statistics
and events documented by the relevant departments and authorities in the Ministry of Interior
and other related bodies. This study comes in line with the vision and mission of the Ministry
of Interior (in its capacity as the institution in charge of maintaining security and safety and
protecting public and private properties, as well as establishing security and safety in the
country through a highly professional performance of security services in a genuine partnership
with society). During the implementation stage of the study, the documented findings have
been treated as outcomes of the measures and events carried out by the Ministry with the aim
of reducing road traffic accidents and mitigating the related human and material losses. The
measures addressed in the study include the following:
1. The Ministry of Interior developed the legislation of Traffic Law no. 19 of 2007 to keep pace
with the developments in the State, whereby stricter sanctions were introduced to the lawbreakers,
mechanisms of testing drivers were activated and driving schools were developed.
2. The employment of sophisticated technologies in road traffic control and management.
3. Awareness-raising programs for the benefit of road users were adopted and carried out in a
highly professional manner.
Conclusions
1. The study and analysis the measures adopted show good results, as fatality rates in recent
years, until 2014, are always below the rate recorded in 2006.
2. Traffic police patrols› reports and traffic surveillance systems show the development in
traffic awareness and control.
3. The effective measures and programs carried out in driving schools have their positive good
effects on schools, trainers and trainees.
4. This paper exposes an important aspect of development in the road traffic safety in general
through the measures and effective regulations adopted. The research work also highlights
some findings noticed on the road network outside cities (highways in particular)
Recommendations
11. The study findings show the importance of putting laws and regulations into practice
and the need for reviewing them from time to time in accordance with the changes in
the components of transportation system›s design, implementation and operation.
22. It is necessary to adopt sophisticated technologies in traffic control and organization.
The use of modern traffic technologies should be coordinated, serving as support means to
the major components of traffic control: police and laws.
References
11. Traffic control reports for the years 2014-2000/ Traffic Department
22. Statistics documented at the Information System Department/ Ministry of Interior
33. Periodic reports issued by Road Engineering Department/ Radar Section in coordination
with Public Works Authority
44. Road accident investigation reports/ Patrol Department/Traffic Department.
55. Expert studies presented to the Traffic Department for the period 2012-23010 on the
development of driving schools.