Finally… kids in Qatar will sit safely in cars

By, 2016-10-22

(Photo for illustrative purpose only)

The log waited law that requires parents to buckle small kids into car seats will soon be executed. The expected law comes after many years of awareness campaigns for drivers, according to Mr. Khalid Saifeldeen, the director of Hamad International Training Center (HITC).

HITC has been pushing for new legislation that would curb bad driving habits. One of the bad habits is to leave small kids in the back seat of the car without even a seat belt. Mr Saifeldeen said that the legislation is to

"enforce drivers to buckle small kids into car seats, and to consider not doing so a violation. The proposed legislation was discussed with the prime minister, and is currently under consideration."

The current law

Motorists are not required to strap small kids into car seats. However, it is illegal for children under the age of 10 years old to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. According to Mr Saifedeen; not allowing kids to ride in the passenger seat is a common sense and must be enforced by the police. Kids under the age of 10 years are not safe in the passenger seat.

In Europe, the newly proposed legislation was implemented more than 15 years ago. In the UK Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.

Better late than never

This is certainly a good news. Taking care of our children is very important. We cannot wait to see this proposed legislation approved and applied.