Damascus, Aug. 3 (SANA) The Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management on Monday held a meeting to discuss road safety and land transport following the tragic road accident on July 25 on the Deir Ezzor–Damascus highway that killed 35 people and injured 30 others.
The meeting, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, brought together senior officials and representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Local Administration and Environment, Health, Transport, Public Works and Housing, Information, and representatives from other Government institutions.
Action plan for road safety
The participants approved a phased action plan including identifying black spots on roads, conducting field inspections on priority routes, particularly the Deir Ezzor–Damascus highway, and implementing urgent corrective measures at high-risk locations.
Proposed measures include intensifying traffic patrols, speed control, completing signage and lighting on dangerous sections, ensuring the readiness of public transport vehicles, strengthening the deployment of ambulance and firefighting teams on major roads, and launching a national road safety awareness campaign.
Addressing shortcomings in road safety system
The meeting discussed shortcomings in the road safety system, including infrastructure, traffic signage, lighting and emergency response, as well as ways to unify the national reference framework regulating this sector.
Participants reviewed the draft “National Road Safety and Land Transport Guide” prepared by the ministry, ahead of its adoption as a technical and binding reference for relevant authorities to enhance safety standards on the national road network.
A proposal was also made to form a “National Committee for Highway Inspection and Application of Safety and Civil Protection Requirements” to carry out field inspections, identify risk sites, and monitor the application of safety and civil protection standards, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for each participating ministry.
The meeting is part of government efforts to enhance road safety, reduce accidents on the road network, and improve coordination between relevant authorities to ensure a more effective response and better prevention and protection measures.
Kh.A / H.H
