Background & Aims

Lack of knowledge of the prevalence of morbidity and mortality due to road danger might be a major cause of why parents are not robustly involved in road safety decision making. The aim of the study was o explore parental knowledge of the morbidity and mortality related to road danger in the State of Qatar.

Methods and Materials
A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation.

Results 
300 questionnaires were completed, with no rejection rate. Interestingly 63% of families were familiar with the prevalence of car accidents in Qatar, while less than one half were familiar with the rate of mortality and disability that arises from car crashes. Moreover, 1 in 2 persons felt that keeping crashed cars on the side of the road is a good idea to prevent speeding.  Furthermore, around 80% felt that billboards on the side of the road with messages that “Your Family is waiting for you” will deter them from speeding. Role modeling was also assessed, and it showed that 85 % of parents believed that the most effective way in teaching children and young people to use roads in a safe way, is to always provide a positive role model when using the roads. 

Conclusion
A large percentage of families are not familiar with the prevalence of car accidents in the state of Qatar and their deleterious effects. We aim to involve authorities to increase local awareness with a focus on public campaigns for education of caregivers.

7th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies