Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa has delivered the following message on the eve of the Gulf Traffic Week that starts on Sunday.
"Bahrain joins the rest of the GCC countries in celebrating Gulf Traffic Week, which is marked on March 8 under the theme "Your Decision Decides Your Fate". The theme reinforces the concept of general safety and the need to adhere to traffic rules to avoid traffic accidents including fatalities and costly permanent disabilities. This is considered a burden on the GDP.
"The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that fatal traffic accidents are the third cause of death internationally; hence traffic safety is a top priority. Therefore, government take safety precautions such as the construction of proper roads, bridges and tunnels and inspections to confirm the working conditions of vehicles.
"Because of the increase in vehicles in urban and industrial areas, traffic departments in Gulf countries have taken measures to establish traffic safety criteria to deal with traffic jams and other related issues.
"The Gulf Traffic Week promotes cooperation and coordination between GCC traffic departments by unifying general safety procedures and conditions, exchange of expertise and activation of traffic control systems.
"The week is marked by the implementation of the new traffic law 23 / 2014 that was enforced on February 8. The law includes 64 articles distributed among seven chapters that tackle all traffic-related topics.
"On this day, we thank citizens and residents for their positive response and commitment to the law that increases everyone’s safety. Let’s hope this new driver safety on the road will become a permanent practice to protect the safety of all. Penalties will continue to be issued in order to stop violations. Tickets can be avoided by following the rules. The theme of the week underscores the importance of driver responsibility and the consequences of poor decision-making when behind the wheel.
"Today, I thank the traffic police for working around the clock for the safety of all through proper guidance and discipline. Cooperation with the traffic police reflects a sense of responsibility and cooperation in the protection of general safety and respect of others to make our roads safe.
May God protect Bahrain and make it blessed with security and stability under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa."