Doha, 21 May 2025: The Hamad Injury Prevention Program of Hamad Trauma Center is proud to support the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, taking place from May 12 to 18, 2025. This year’s theme, “Streets for Life: #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe,” underscores the critical need to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists worldwide, as part of a broader effort to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities.
Every year, over 1.3 million people worldwide lose their lives in road traffic incidents, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for a significant proportion of these casualties. In Qatar, as urban development progresses, there is a growing need to prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite a 15% decrease in Hamad Trauma Center [HTC] admissions for serious injuries, the Qatar National Trauma Registry, has shown a 7% and 39% increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists admitted to the HTC from 2023 to 2024. Young children, particularly under the age of 15, and older residents, more than 55 years old, were most severely injured as pedestrians. Bicycle-related traumatic injuries, predominantly affect children, below the age of 15, and working-age males who cycle for work or leisure.
The HIPP at HTC is committed to preventing unnecessary road traffic injuries [RTIs] from affecting any members of the public. During this UNGRSW, HIPP emphasizes the importance of managing speed as a proven means of making our roads safer for all road users, most especially for the most vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, even children and the elderly.
“We are committed to working together with all our partners to make streets in Qatar safer for all road users, especially the most vulnerable. This year’s theme provides an opportunity to reflect on the vital role we can all play in contributing to a safer road environment for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Dr. Rafael Consunji, Director of the Hamad Injury Prevention Program. “Drivers must not drive while distracted by their mobile phones, always stop for pedestrians on crosswalks and drive under the destinated speed limits. Cyclists must make themselves visible [with reflectors or blinking lights], show hand signals when turning and use bike lanes when available. Pedestrians must only cross at designated crossing zones and stay on sidewalks.”
HIPP reaffirms its commitment to advancing evidence-based road safety policies and fostering a culture of community responsibility around safer mobility. In support of the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, the program endorses the campaign theme “Streets for Life: #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe”, which highlights the urgent need for safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists in Qatar and around the world.
“Our goal is to align with the global mission of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, and this requires sustained, collaborative action,” said Dr. Consunji. “This year’s campaign reinforces the importance of integrating safety into urban planning and policymaking to protect all road users, especially the most vulnerable.”
