KUWAIT CITY, March 10: The weekly statistics released by the General Traffic Department revealed a notable decrease of about 10,000 violations in the week from March 1 to March 7, compared to the previous week. A total of 30,924 violations were recorded during this period, while the previous week (February 22 to February 28) saw 40,045 violations.

A comparison between the weekly statistics from February and the first week of March highlighted some key changes. Notably, only 14 juveniles were arrested for driving without a driver’s license in the latest data, while 44 juveniles were arrested in the previous week, marking a decrease of 30 cases.

This decline in violations comes approximately 40 days before the new traffic law is set to go into effect on April 22.

In terms of traffic accidents, the statistics showed 1,383 accidents in February. However, in the first week of March, 1,518 accidents were reported, according to the traffic data provided to Al-Anba.

The statistics, which stemmed from ongoing traffic campaigns and organized security deployment, also revealed several arrests. Among these were 14 juveniles, who were referred to the Juvenile Prosecution, as well as 52 individuals committing serious violations, who were referred to the Traffic Department. Additionally, 179 vehicles and 10 motorcycles were impounded for violations, including illegal tinting and causing excessive noise.

The weekly campaigns also led to the arrest of 6 expatriates violating residency laws, 10 wanted individuals, 5 people found in possession of narcotics, and 3 individuals caught driving under the influence of intoxicants or narcotics.

Regarding the 1,518 traffic accidents handled by the General Traffic Department, 243 resulted in injuries or fatalities, while 1,275 accidents were limited to material damage.

The traffic officers' statistics also highlighted which departments recorded the most violations. Officers in Hawalli led with 5,889 violations, followed by Farwaniya officers with 5,389 violations, and highway officers with 4,019 violations. Capital traffic officers ranked fourth with 3,883 violations.

It’s important to note that the new traffic law will impose strict penalties, including the revocation of a first-time driver’s license if two violations are committed within the first year. The law also outlines punishments such as three months of imprisonment and fines ranging from 150 to 300 dinars for driving without a license. In cases involving reckless or negligent driving, or fleeing after an accident, penalties include imprisonment for up to one year. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs face imprisonment for up to two months and fines of up to 3,000 dinars, while violations like parking on sidewalks or driving without headlights could result in fines between 45 and 75 dinars. Additionally, a fine of up to 200 dinars is set for driving without brakes.

In accidents resulting in death or injury, the responsible driver’s vehicle license or operating permit will be detained by the police or investigator, who will refer the case to the competent authority within 24 hours.