The number of fatal accidents in Bahrain dropped by 29% in 2014. The General Director of Traffic, Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, today released the new figures at a press conference. He paid tribute to the Minister of Interior Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa for his directives to promote traffic safety standards.
"Road safety improved tangibly although the overall number of vehicles on Bahrain roads averaged 600,000", he said, singling out excessive speed as the main cause of accidents, along with traffic light violations. He announced that the new traffic law would take effect on February 8, urging strict adherence to the new rules, which aim at reducing the incidence of fatal accidents and protecting property.
Citing updated figures, he said that 40,161 driving licences had been issued last year, at a monthly average of 3,347 licences. He pointed out that the new law entitles learners to train on cars with manual or automatic gearboxes.
He said that more driving instructors would be provided to meet the increasing demand, adding that hiring private sector instructors would be considered as a future option.
Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa urged drivers to comply with the new traffic rules and cooperate with police patrols to ensure road safety. Meanwhile, Police Media Director Colonel Mohammed bin Daina, announced that an awareness campaign would be conducted in 2015 to promote the new traffic law that. In this regard, Interior Ministry has already commissioned a private company to design a campaign which will inform the public about the benefits of the law.