DOHA: Major injuries caused in road accidents have come down by 45 percent after a stricter traffic law was enforced in 2007, says Traffic Chief, Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al Kharji.
He told a symposium recently that the death toll in traffic mishaps averaged nine per 100,000 people, which was the lowest in the Arab world.
Fatalities totalled 270 in 2006 despite a smaller population (of people and cars), after which the law was amended.
“People initially criticised us for the huge fines stipulated for violations.
“But the legislation proves our instance, in that it has helped reduce accidents and the resulting deaths and major injuries,” Brigadier Al Kharji added.
