KUWAIT CITY, May 4: Official data revealed that traffic violations saw a dramatic decline of up to 95% following the implementation of the new traffic law. Statistics compiled by a local newspaper based on the Ministry of Interior’s weekly reports show that in the week prior to the new law’s enforcement, 51,750 traffic violations were recorded, with a daily average of 7,394 violations. In contrast, the most recent data, covering the period from April 26 to May 2, showed just 2,774 violations, with a daily average of 396, reflecting a decrease of up to 95%.

For comparison, the number of violations in the first week of April reached 54,894, followed by 56,708 violations in the second week and 51,759 in the third week. On April 23, the General Traffic Department released statistics indicating a 71% drop in violations detected by automated surveillance cameras in the early days of the law’s implementation. These violations primarily involved issues such as not wearing seat belts and using mobile phones while driving.

A security source attributed the sharp decline in violations to the law’s effectiveness in deterring traffic offenses, a goal that aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to protect lives and property. The source expressed hope that the law would lead to a significant reduction in traffic-related deaths and injuries. However, the source also noted that traffic accidents remained high, with 1,344 accidents reported in the first week of the new law’s enforcement. Of these, 174 accidents resulted in injuries or fatalities, while 1,170 were purely material damage incidents.

The General Traffic Department's statistics for April 26 to May 2 revealed that the Capital Traffic Department recorded the highest number of violations, totaling 1,382, followed by the Jahra Traffic Department with 447 violations. The Farwaniya Traffic Department reported 365 violations, while the Ahmadi Traffic Department had 195 violations. Other departments, including the Hawalli Traffic Department (163 violations), the Expressway Department (97 violations), the Security Control Department (94 violations), the Mission Department (20 violations), and the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Traffic Department (11 violations), also contributed to the total.

In terms of enforcement, the General Traffic Department’s campaigns led to the impoundment of 51 vehicles and motorcycles. Additionally, 31 violators were referred to traffic police stations, while 15 juveniles were arrested for driving without a license. The department also seized 43 vehicles wanted by the judiciary, two stolen vehicles, and arrested 34 individuals, including those wanted for criminal or civil offenses. Furthermore, 35 expatriates were arrested for expired residency, two individuals were apprehended in an abnormal state, and seven street vendors were detained, along with a hunting weapon.