Doha, Qatar: Captain Hamad Salem Al Nahab, Traffic Awareness Officer at the General Directorate of Traffic at the Ministry of Interior, has highlighted the risks associated with children using electric scooters in residential neighbourhoods and stressed the importance of adhering to traffic safety measures.
Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, Captain Al Nahab noted that electric scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years. With the arrival of the summer vacation, children have more free time as schools are closed, making it important for parents to engage them in beneficial activities and reduce prolonged periods of inactivity.
He pointed out that many parents provide electric scooters to their children as a recreational activity, sometimes overlooking the fact that electric scooters are also a modern means of transportation capable of travelling at relatively high speeds and potentially causing accidents, even within residential areas.
Captain Al Nahab called on motorists to comply with speed limits and reduce their speed when driving through residential neighbourhoods.
He stressed the need for drivers to remain alert and anticipate the sudden appearance of children or electric scooter users on roads.
He also emphasized the important role of parents in ensuring their children’s safety by directing them to use electric scooters only in appropriate locations and by warning them against riding or playing on roads and in areas not designated for such activities.
The Traffic Awareness Officer noted that suitable locations for using electric scooters include public parks and areas within homes, where children can enjoy the activity in a safer environment.
Captain Al Nahab reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between parents and motorists in promoting traffic safety and protecting children during the summer holiday period, when outdoor recreational activities tend to increase.
