Hundreds of people have learnt how to keep safe on roads, thanks to a Ramadan campaign under way at Souq Waqif by 'Students for Road Safety', a programme funded by Maersk Oil Qatar.

Driving instructors are manning a road safety simulator throughout the holy month to offer advice and raise awareness about safe road behaviours. Ramadan is a month when accidents increase.

The campaign is organised in cooperation with the Traffic Department at the Ministry of Interior, under the umbrella of the national road safety brand, One Second.

Lt Fahad Mubarak Al Abdulla from the department said, "It is this time of the year when accidents increase, placing lives at risk. We are proud to continue efforts with Maersk Oil Qatar and 'Students for Road Safety' to address the challenge, particularly by targeting young people often at most risk.

"The partnership has completed two years and is in keeping with National Road Safety Strategy and other activities under One Second."

In the past two years 4,500 students have been exposed to 'Students for Road Safety' that seeks to transform 12-18-year-olds into road safety ambassadors through interactive presentations and driving simulator training.

The simulator is the one of its kind in the Gulf and includes a full car cockpit, an advanced display system with wrap around screen and an artificial intelligence engine that reflects common behaviours on Qatar's roads.

Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani, Deputy Managing Director, Maersk Oil Qatar, said: "Sadly, too many people in Qatar are injured or killed in road accidents but with the Traffic Department we are raising awareness of the issue and encouraging positive behaviour change. I encourage visitors to the souq to stop by and learn more."

'Students for Road Safety' was launched by Maersk Oil Qatar and the Traffic Department in 2013.