Road users call for strict enforcement of traffic laws in Bahrain

TDT | Manama           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

Citizens and residents have urged road users to follow traffic laws and for authorities to properly enforce them to maintain safer roads in Bahrain.

Even though using your phone while driving is prohibited in Bahrain and is a simple habit to break, it’s still a common practise here, which puts many lives at risk.

Social media influencer Dana Zubari said, “Sadly, I witness people using their phones while driving all of the time!” “And when I notice people using their phones, I don’t notice reckless driving, but I do notice them slow down their speed, which is dangerous as it causes others to do the same and causes confusion,” she said.

She added that when the drivers slow down, she then has to honk to alert the driver to speed up and maintain the speed limit set for the road.

“When I see someone swerving on the highway, it’s quite obvious that they are either on their phone or intoxicated. I tend to drive super slow around them and then switch multiple lanes to avoid any form of accident,” she stated.

Dana stressed that severe fines should be properly enforced for any driver who grabs their phone while on the road, so they are not enticed to use it. An American who previously resided in Bahrain, Vincent Endress, recalled his driving experience in the Kingdom and said, “I was completely shocked by how many people used their phones while driving, and I never once witnessed any driver being pulled over because of it.”

Furthermore, Vincent stated that there were multiple occasions when he had to switch lanes to avoid those using their mobile devices who were either weaving in between lanes or driving too slowly.

“From my knowledge, I remember that there were already laws that fined people for using their cellphones while driving; however, the issue is that the laws were not being enforced properly, which they should be,” he said.

According to the General Directorate of Traffic, those who commit the violation of using a hand-held cell phone while driving could face a fine of BD50 to BD500. Even though the Kingdom has implemented measures to improve road safety, Bahrainis and residents are urging authorities to better enforce existing rules to ensure road safety for commuters.