QU and ExxonMobil Qatar Sign QR 1 Mn.Agreement to Support Efforts to Raise Road Safety Awareness

Doha, March 17 (QNA) - Qatar Road Safety Studies Centre at Qatar University (QU) will receive a contribution of QR1m from ExxonMobil Qatar Inc to support efforts to raise road safety and accident prevention awareness. In collaboration with the Ministry of Interiors Traffic Department, ExxonMobils support will help the centre conduct research and provide a long-term vision for road safety in line with National Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022, which is overseen by National Traffic Safety Committee. The announcement was made at a press conference held here by QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, Traffic Department Director Brigadier Mohammed Saad Al Kharji and ExxonMobil Qatar President and General Manager Bart Cahir. QU leaders, the centres Director Dr Khalifa Al Khalifa, College of Engineering Dean Dr Rashid Alammari, faculty and staff and representatives from the Traffic Department were present. Under the two-year partnership, the centre will conduct research, including in-depth analysis of vehicle accidents, safety assessment of school buses, pedestrian traffic studies, traffic management and safety of Dohas highways. Extensive research will also focus on predicting potentially hazardous road conditions through to 2022. Based on the findings, the centre will run safety awareness campaigns throughout the country to share information with the community. Its researchers will be supported by senior students at QU to present findings to the community. Prof. Al Misnad said: "Road safety is an area of critical importance in a country experiencing such rapid development as Qatar. It is incumbent on us to collaborate with partners like ExxonMobil Qatar and the Traffic Department to find long-term solutions to the issue that stands at the heart of the welfare and safety of the people of Qatar". For his part, Brigadier Al Kharji thanked QU for providing consultations to the Traffic Department, and ExxonMobil for supporting programmes. He stressed the importance of studies and research and said traffic problems are a shared concern and organisations should assist in raising awareness. "The Traffic Department will implement recommendations coming out of these studies," he added. Meanwhile ExxonMobil Qatar President and General Manager Bart Cahir said, "We are pleased to partner with QU and the Traffic Department on this important national initiative which aims to better protect residents.". He further said, "At ExxonMobil, safety is a core value and we have a steadfast commitment to ensure a culture of continuous safety excellence. Elaborating Bart Cahir said, : QU and the Traffic Department share this value of ours, and this is a great opportunity for us to work together for the benefit of Qatars people." (END)