Change Profession, Lose Driving License: Insights from Gulf Traffic Week. In a recent press conference held at the Operations Room building in South Sabahiya, Chairman of the Unified Gulf Traffic Week Activities Committee, Brigadier General Nawaf Al-Hayyan, clarified the primary objective of the Gulf Traffic Week. Contrary to being centered around issuing traffic violations, the focus lies on enhancing traffic awareness and fostering discipline on the roads.
Clearing Violations During Traffic Week
Brigadier General Al-Hayyan outlined plans to open designated “blocks” during the Traffic Week, allowing individuals with impounded vehicles to clear violations at Khairan Mall and the Avenues Mall. Notably, these include violations for parking in disabled parking lots, falling under the jurisdiction of the General Department of Investigations.
Linking Institutions for License Suspensions
A crucial development involves the link between the General Traffic Department, the Public Authority for the Disabled Affairs (PADA), and various state institutions. This linkage ensures the suspension of a driver’s license for individuals with visual disabilities, based on a letter from PADA. Similar measures extend to cases involving psychiatric evaluations and coordination with other state institutions.
Expat License Cancellation on Profession Change
Brigadier General Al-Hayyan emphasized the cancellation of the profession-based driver’s license for expatriates upon changing their profession. Expatriates would then need to reapply for a new driving license, reflecting a stricter stance on maintaining road safety.
Call for Legislative Action
Expressing hope for the upcoming National Assembly’s discussion and approval of a new traffic law, Al-Hayyan anticipates that increased penalties for traffic violations would contribute to reducing serious accidents.
Traffic Statistics: A Snapshot of 2023
Reviewing traffic statistics for the year 2023, Al-Hayyan shared key figures. Notably, Kuwait’s population stands at 4.82 million, with 1,951,495 driving licenses issued and 2,546,798 vehicles registered. The breakdown of licenses includes 1,900,735 for citizens, 876,432 for residents, and 65,240 for non-Kuwaitis.
Alarming Violation Numbers
The statistics further revealed staggering numbers of traffic violations, ranging from speeding and red signal violations to improper seat belt use and phone usage while driving. The total violations surpassed 9 million, leading to the impounding of 10,460 vehicles and the deportation of 155 individuals.
Regional Collaboration and Future Initiatives
Highlighting future plans, Brigadier General Al-Hayyan discussed the connection of violations to the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, with intentions to extend the linkage to all Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Additionally, a noteworthy decrease in eye-related injuries during national holidays was reported.
Citations and Technological Advancements
Brigadier General Muhammad Saad Al-Otaibi emphasized the flexibility of issuing citations through the Rasid application by police officers, regardless of their on-duty status. Meanwhile, Assistant Director for Technical Affairs, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Adwani, disclosed ongoing efforts to modernize technical inspection departments through a dedicated project.
Conclusion
The Unified Gulf Traffic Week not only sheds light on current road safety issues but also marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration, stricter regulations, and technological advancements in ensuring safer roads.
