Kuwait Sees 199 Deaths In Road Accidents In 9 Months

Kuwait, home to 4.9 million people, has reported a staggering 199 deaths from road accidents in the first nine months of this year, according to the Interior Ministry. The statistics underline the pressing need for safer driving practices and stricter enforcement of road laws as the country prepares to implement a tougher traffic law.

A Call for Responsible Driving

The ministry has urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, always wear seat belts, and avoid using mobile phones while driving. Despite these recommendations, road safety remains a significant challenge. Just last week, over 44,000 traffic violations were recorded, and police dealt with 1,589 accidents, according to Al Anba newspaper.

Smart Cameras to Catch Violators

Kuwait is stepping up its road safety game with the introduction of 252 AI-powered smart cameras. These advanced devices automatically detect violations such as speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving.

“These cameras can calculate the distance between two points, ensuring speed violations are recorded even if drivers slow down near the camera,” explained Lt. Col. Abdullah Abu Al Hassan, Assistant Director of the Traffic Awareness Department.

Recklessness: A Major Cause of Accidents

Reckless driving, including distractions like texting, chatting, or reading, accounts for around 92% of accidents leading to injury or death. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for behavioral change among drivers.

New Traffic Law to Improve Road Safety

Kuwait is on the brink of ratifying a new traffic law aimed at curbing dangerous driving practices. The proposed legislation will introduce hefty fines and significant restrictions, such as allowing expatriates to own only one car.

This update comes as Kuwait’s existing traffic law, unchanged since 1976, struggles to address the modern challenges of road safety. Officials emphasize the importance of these changes, especially as traffic accidents remain the second leading cause of death in Kuwait, following heart disease.

A Step Toward Safer Roads

The combination of advanced technology, stricter laws, and public awareness campaigns represents a comprehensive effort to reduce road fatalities in Kuwait. Motorists are encouraged to adopt safer driving habits as the nation works to make its roads less deadly for everyone.