Sharp increase in number of motorcycle delivery drivers with serious injuries due to traffic crashes

In the first quarter of 2022, the Hamad Trauma Center (HTC) has already treated more than triple the number of motorcycle delivery drivers (MDDs) with serious injuries due to road accidents, when compared to the same period of 2021. The center has provided care to care to 93 cases of motorcycle delivery drivers with serious injuries in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 29 cases during the same period in 2021. The Trauma Anesthesia Section of HMC has also observed a significant increase in the number of operations to address brain injuries, fractures and even amputations. In light of these unprecedented statistics on MDD injuries, the Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP) of the HTC is issuing a renewed call to the general public to remind them that the safety of MDDs is the collective responsibility of all road users in Qatar. "The HIPP at HTC is committed to preventing unnecessary injuries from affecting all members of the public in Qatar. With the phased lifting of COVID restrictions, we are providing proven safety recommendations to better protect everyone as we emerge from lockdown. We need to remind the public that, as we continue to be more reliant on MDDs for many necessities, we should also do our utmost to ensure that they are able to carry out their responsibilities safely," said Dr. Rafael Consunji, Director of the HIPP, the community outreach arm of the Hamad Trauma Center. Dr. Aisha Abeid, Assistant Director of HIPP said: "There has been a steady increase in the number of MDDs who suffered moderate to severe injuries since 2019. However, since the start of this year, we have seen more than 3 times the number of serious MDD injuries when compared to 2021. If we allow this trend to continue then we will see a huge increase when compared to pre-COVID statistics, this means more than 360 MDDs will suffer serious injuries this year. We must remember that MDDs are one of the most vulnerable road users, they are not protected by a vehicle's shell, and we must pay full attention while sharing the road with them. We must realize that MDDs will continue their delivery activities within a busier environment, with more road users, as we settle into our new post-restriction road environment." Brigadier General Dr. Mohammed Radhi Al Hajri, Director of Traffic Awareness Department at the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Traffic said: "We continue to work closely with our partners at Hamad Trauma Center to raise awareness among the public about road safety and improve the safety of all road users in Qatar. Plans and strategies are currently being developed to protect the safety of the most vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and pedestrians, especially with the increase in the number of crashes that lead to severe injuries among these road users."