(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Sidi Mohamed
DOHA: Deaths caused by traffic accidents in Qatar dropped by an impressive 22.7 percent during the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, data released by the Ministry of Interior showed yesterday.
The total number of traffic accidents fell by 6.3 percent during the same period, with a 33.3 percent decline in pedestrian casualties resulting in deaths.
The report also indicates that deaths due to traffic accidents in the country have fallen to an average 6.3 for every 100,000 people from the highest average of 12 deaths — a decline by 47.5 percent. This represents a decrease by 28.4 percent compared to the same period last year. The downward trend in fatal accidents has been attributed to an increased awareness about traffic safety, as a positive outcome of the national traffic safety strategy.
The report shows that the total number of traffic accidents during the first half of this year, including minor and major one, dropped to 1,27,907 from 1,36,574 reported during the same period last year — a decline by 6.3 percent.
Of these, an overwhelming 97.6 percent of the incidents were minor, which didn";t cause any injuries. And a huge majority of the injuries caused by the accidents — 88.5 percent — were minor. Total deaths from traffic accidents fell by 22.7 percent to 99 cases compared to 128 reported during the first half of last year. Severe injuries, however, increased by 13.5 percent to 429 cases this year, from 378 reported last year.
On the other hand, accidents causing deaths dropped by 27.6 percent this year compared to the same period last year. They accounted for 0.06 percent of the total accidents. The number of Qataris who died in the accidents also fell by 22.2 percent. The number of accidents resulting in deaths dropped to 81 this year, from 112 reported last year.
The Peninsula