Modern radar-equipped patrol vehicle to catch traffic violations launched

DOHA: The General Directorate of Traffic yesterday launched a civil patrol vehicle equipped with a sophisticated radar to catch traffic violations on the roads particularly where there are no or lesser number of cameras installed.

“The hidden radar inside the patrol  vehicle can catch violations of speed limit during patrolling. Also, the radar-mounted car can be used for other security tasks,” said Captain Shabib Mohammed Al Nuaimi, from the Traffic Patrols yesterday.

“The new radar has several modern technical features. It operates in moving vehicle and adopts infrared imaging. It does not use annoying flash lights, the speed sensor fixed in front of the vehicle is invisible and is capable of shooting cars in two directions, in different weather conditions and in six lanes,” Captain Al Nuaimi added while speaking at the General Directorate of Traffic Headquarters.

“The patrol car is equipped with control devices inside it. The patrolling officials can measure the speed of the large and small vehicles, as well as identify the street number. It can also shoot photos and record video,” he added.

He also pointed out that the difference between this radar and mobile radars is that mobile radars are visible to motorists and they can reduce speed when they approach it. “This modern technology is invisible in its operations therefore can catch more violations and will create a sense of carefulness among motorists.”

Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Traffic continues its awareness campaign “Accidents-Free Summer” for the third consecutive week. The theme of the third week, is “For your safety, wear seat belt”.

The theme highlights the role of seat belts in preserving the lives of drivers and front seat passengers.
Lt. Col. Abdullah Mohammed Al Humaidi, Head of Traffic Department of the North, said that driving without wearing seatbelts is the most important cause of many accidents, resulting in severe injuries and deaths.

He added that, “ninety percent of deaths and severe injuries in traffic accidents, especially on highways, can be avoided by using a seat belt.”

It is observed that the accidents that cause most of the deaths of passengers occur because of being thrown out of their cars, exposing them to the most severe shocks.

He said that the General Directorate of Traffic is working to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the roads, pointing out that the campaign is continuing to further reduce the number of violations. This has been visible in the past two weeks, as the violation of phone use during driving has decreased to 340 violations.