KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17: There are numerous negative behaviors observed on the country's roads, with speeding and using mobile phones while driving being the most prominent. These reckless actions pose daily challenges and highlight the need for urgent action, as they contribute to dangerous consequences. Addressing these issues requires promoting traffic awareness and strict adherence to laws and regulations to ensure public safety.

Almost every day, accidents occur due to driver errors and unexpected incidents, leading to violations, injuries, and material damage. The reckless behavior of some drivers has a serious negative impact on individuals, families, and society. In response, the state, particularly the Ministry of Interior, is taking significant measures to address the problem. By implementing a strict traffic law and introducing advanced technologies, the aim is to establish a safer traffic system and reduce the rate of accidents, as well as the associated fatalities, injuries, and damages.

Official statistics from the Ministry of Interior revealed that over 1.5 million speeding violations were recorded across the six governorates between January 1 and the end of June. The Ministry's Planning and Traffic Research Department, in a report obtained by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), stated that more than 93 percent of accidents during this period were caused by driver inattention, with the remaining 7 percent attributed to other factors. The total number of violations during the first half of 2024 exceeded 3.1 million.

Colonel Fahad Al-Essa, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at the Ministry, told KUNA that the primary cause of driver inattention is mobile phone use while driving. He noted that over 30,000 phone-related violations were recorded in the first half of the year. Speeding remains the leading traffic violation, and modern AI-powered cameras are actively monitoring violations such as not wearing seat belts and using mobile phones while driving. There are currently 252 cameras installed across the six governorates, with the goal of reducing violations and ensuring the safety of both citizens and residents.

Colonel Al-Essa emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts, refraining from speeding, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and ensuring children are seated in the back seats for their safety. He also advised drivers to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to prevent sudden collisions.

Assistant Director of the Traffic Awareness Department, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan, stated that the department has increased its efforts to raise awareness through various media platforms and social media. He explained that the modern cameras play a crucial role in enhancing road safety by ensuring compliance with traffic laws.

In addition, Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti, Director of the Medical Emergency Department at the Ministry of Health, reported that from January 1 to September 30, ambulances transported 7,774 cases related to road accidents.