Al-Amn Magazine

T TRAFFIC Major Khaled Mubarak Boukis General Directorate of Traffic Dri ve safe ; save l i ves Amended l aw enhances road safety he Royal Decree amending some provisions of the traffic law, issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect and preserve him, is a qualitative leap in the field of traffic safety since it increases and strengthens penalties to protect lives and property. This Royal Decree affirms the noble royal approach of safeguarding lives and property from traffic violations and accidents. It also reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to preserving lives and property, which is a direct result of the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to intensify penalties related to traffic violations and accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Upon the directives of His Royal Highness, His Excellency General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Traffic Council, issued instructions to form a team within the Ministry of Interior to study the Traffic Law and dedicate it to enhancing road safety. This will be achieved by proposing amendments to strengthen penalties for traffic violations and accidents. We thank God Almighty for the wise directives of our leadership, may God protect them, which are always in the best interest of the nation, its citizens, and all residents, whose focus and guidance are always on security and safety. The decree-law aims to enhance road safety and reduce violations, thereby decreasing traffic accidents, especially those resulting in fatalities. This will be accomplished by imposing stricter penalties on violators of traffic rules stipulated in the Traffic Law than those previously stipulated, particularly for violations that pose a significant danger to lives and property and often lead to tragic accidents where innocent road users become victims. These amendments come within the framework of the ongoing effort to improve road safety levels, ensuring a reduction in serious traffic accidents. These accidents are usually caused by negligence, recklessness or carelessness while driving, most notably driving at speeds exceeding the posted speed limit, running red lights, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and other traffic violations that significantly increase the likelihood of accidents. Road safety, as represented by the decree-law, is a fundamental pillar in the progress and development of societies and sustainable development. It is not merely about reducing traffic violations and accidents, but rather a cornerstone of road security and the preservation of the nation’s resources, especially its human capital. Furthermore, road safety contributes to preserving the economies of societies by reducing the exorbitant costs resulting from accidents, including the costs of treatment, repairs, and lost productivity. The fundamental principle is to avoid committing violations to prevent punishment and to adhere to traffic rules. This demonstrates respect for the system and prevents chaos, which only leads to accidents and the violation of others’ rights, especially their right to safety. As advice to avoid violating traffic rules, it is essential to prepare yourself mentally before using public roads. Adherence reflects a calm, composed, and confident mindset. This state prepares you to handle all the different situations you may encounter while using public roads. Calmness, focus and tolerance, especially while driving, instead of rushing and being swept away by emotions, particularly anger and tension, lead to safe driving. It prevents reckless behavior, negligence, or forgetfulness. These latter mental states contribute to negative behaviors, often without awareness of their severity and the potentially irreversible consequences. Finally, we urge everyone, especially our fellow drivers, to adhere to traffic rules, which were established solely for your safety and the safety of other road users. Always remember that the public road is a shared space that we all use, regardless of our age group. It is not your property to monopolize by violating the safety rules that were put in place to protect us. Your adherence to traffic rules is a sign of your civility and makes you a responsible person who puts the safety and security of others at the top of their priorities. Responsibility is shared; when everyone is committed and responsible, we create a safe traffic environment on the public road where we can all feel safe. Your simple decision to comply could save someone’s life.