96pc seat-belt usage while driving in Bahrain : Survey

Manama : Over 96 per cent of drivers adhere to the usage of seat belt while driving, according to a survey conducted by Ministry of Works, Municipalities & Urban Planning.

The survey, which aimed to assess usage of seat belt among drivers, included 41,000 vehicles, and was conducted in March 2016, said Roads Planning & Design Director at the Ministry Kadhim Abdul Latif.

Abdul Latif explained that the Ministry regularly carries out traffic surveys to assess people’s commitment to using seat belts, in collaboration with the Traffic General Directorate. 

“Following the enforcement of the new traffic law in February 2015, it has been noticed that more drivers have become aware of the importance of using a seat belt while driving. Traffic surveys contribute to encouraging drivers to commit to traffic laws and regulations for the purpose of avoiding severe injuries in case of a fatal accident,” explained Abdul Latif.

Abdul Latif stated that the new traffic law would punish anyone who does not commit to the usage of seat belt, for both the driver and front seat passenger. “Thus, the Ministry urges all drivers to wear their seat belts to maintain their own safety,” ha said.

Despite the increase in the number of vehicles in Bahrain, which now amounts to 612,000, the rate of deaths and injuries has not risen. The first quarter of 2016 has registered a 50pc accident rate, compared to year 2015. The efforts extended by the Traffic General Directorate, headed by Director-General of Traffic Shaikh Nasser bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, contribute to limiting drivers’ misbehaviours, in addition to increasing awareness of traffic rules and regulations.