Local Editor

Drivers at risk of falling asleep at the wheel now have a purpose-built space to pull over and rest before getting back on the road, thanks to an initiative launched this week by local road safety organization Kunhadi.

The Medco gas station in Dora, just east of Beirut, is the first location for the Nap & Go initiative, one of the four pillars of Kunhadi's Save the Night project launched in November 2016 to mark the NGO's 10th anniversary. A dedicated parking space marked with the initiative's name is now free to use for drivers in need of a short nap to finish their journey safely.

"[One] of the reasons for car crashes in Lebanon is that people fall asleep while driving, and in a country like Lebanon, they are scared to stop their cars [on the side of the road] and sleep," the NGO's Vice President Lena Gebran told The Daily Star.

"This is why ... we launched the first Nap & Go station ... where people can stop their cars and no one will disturb them. ... There will be road signs telling people that there is a rest area ahead ... [and] they can sleep ... and that will allow them to drive."

The Public Works and Transportation Ministry supported the pilot rest stop. Four more are set to be established in Jbeil, Monsef, Jiyyeh and Damour over the next few weeks, with the aim of creating 10 in total by the end of 2017.

"In addition, there are people who work all day and then spend the night out and so tiredness can take over," she said.

The remaining three pillars of the Save the Night project focus on providing training for taxi drivers and restaurant waiters with the goal of making nightlife in Lebanon safer. The Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes and Patisseries as well as the Tourism Ministry are collaborating on the project.

In this element of the project, Kunhadi is offering free courses and conferences to train taxi drivers on the traffic law, defensive driving and first aid, Gebran said. She added that those who complete the different trainings will receive a certificate from the NGO.

The NGO will also work with valet parking companies as they are another important port of call in helping reduce dangerous driving.

Source: The Daily Star, Edited by website team