Speed Campaign Press Conference hosted by Arab Open University and Kunhadi
Speed is the number one cause of death among young Lebanese youth (15-29 years).
Arab Open University (AOU) joined hands with Kunhadi and launched a new speed campaign to urge young drivers to start respecting speed limits before fun times they spent with their friends, turn into a sad memory.
The campaign was launched in a press conference on June 9 held in AOU – Antelias campus in the presence of the Minister of Culture H.E. Raymond Araiji, Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji represented by Colonel Qassem Abou Haminn, ISF Director General Major General Ibrahim Basbous represented by Colonel Rony Qoussaifi and representatives of the Red Cross.
AOU president, Dr. Fairuz Sarkis, explained more about programs followed at AOU to help young students build their careers, “AOU protects youth’s future while Kunhadi protects their lives”, Dr. Sarkis said.
Kunhadi president, Mr. Fady Gebrane, then explained more about the new campaign and the radical change the correct implementation of the New Traffic Law could have on the country: Mr. Gebrane showcased traffic statistics taken from the Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Red Cross after the first month of the implementation of the traffic law (April 2015) that show a decrease of about 50% in numbers of crashes and death toll.
Kunhadi president then proceeded to explain that the strict enforcement of speed limits alone could drive a minimum increase in 2% of Lebanon’s GDP. Mr. Gebrane, also explained that the only correct legal way to implement the New Traffic Law begins with the meeting of the National Road Safety Council, which is not being done currently, and urged the Prime Minister to call for this meeting.
During his speech, the Minister of Culture expressed his shock at the alarming numbers of traffic fatalities on the Lebanese roads and the extent to which they are obstructing national economy.
H.E. Mr. Araiji promised to raise the issue of the recent implementation of the new traffic law in the next ministerial meeting or with the Prime Minister himself, to bring their attention the positive impact the new traffic law has had on lowering traffic death toll and the value this can bring to the economic growth.
