Files: Traffic on Old Doha Port during the first weekend of Ramadan.
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a forward-looking initiative aimed at achieving zero road accidents in the future by transforming the behavior of the next generation of road users.
The initiative is rooted in a preventive vision that prioritizes education and awareness as the foundation of road safety. Rather than relying solely on enforcement measures, the Ministry is investing in long-term behavioral change, beginning with children and students who represent the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians of tomorrow.
Captain Hamad Salem Al-Nehab, Traffic Awareness Officer at the Ministry of Interior, explained that the Directorate implements a comprehensive annual awareness plan aligned with the academic calendar. Speaking to Qatar TV recently he said, the program is designed to reach all segments of society while placing particular emphasis on young people, with the goal of instilling safe road habits from an early age.
Officials stress that the “future road user” is today’s child in kindergarten and school. By shaping their understanding of traffic rules and responsible behavior early on, the Ministry aims to gradually reduce risky practices that lead to accidents, moving steadily toward the long-term objective of zero road accidents.
Al-Nehab said that the initiative begins at the kindergarten level through interactive and practical learning experiences. He said that children participate in visits to the General Directorate of Traffic, where a miniature traffic village provides hands-on training in safe road crossing, recognizing traffic signs, and understanding pedestrian rules in a realistic environment.
Al-Nehab noted that students are also taught correct school bus behavior, including where to board and exit, how to sit properly, the importance of fastening seat belts, and understanding their rights and responsibilities as passengers. These lessons are delivered in engaging formats to ensure the safety principles remain with them as they grow older.
At the primary school stage, he said that the Directorate integrates interactive digital tools to reflect students’ familiarity with technology. Through simulated traffic scenarios displayed on interactive screens, students can make choices and immediately see the potential consequences of unsafe decisions. This experiential approach strengthens their awareness and helps them avoid similar risks in real-life situations.
Al-Nehab said that for secondary school students, awareness campaigns are tailored to suit their communication preferences.
He said that concise messages, short educational sessions, and quick assessments are used to keep them engaged while reinforcing essential road safety rules, particularly important as many approach driving age.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to build a culture of responsibility and safety across society. While monitoring systems and traffic laws remain crucial, officials emphasize that sustainable progress depends on changing mindsets and behaviors over time. By embedding road safety education into early learning stages and maintaining consistent engagement throughout a student’s academic journey, the Ministry of Interior aims to lay the groundwork for a safer future, one in which responsible road use becomes second nature and road accidents are ultimately eliminated.
