Saturday: 05 June 2010:
Al Harthi: Traffic control aim public safety, deter reckless drivers
ADP Department of traffic and Patrols has confirmed that the aim of strict traffic control adopted recently by the department, is not an option but it is a necessity prompted by traffic reality and safety indicators which have not reached the desired level in comparison with the overall development that the country witnesses.
Colonel (Engineer) Hussain Ahmed Al Harthi, Director of the Department said "The aim of traffic control is to raise safety level on roads in order to achieve a central, civilized and national objective to make the Capital one of the best five capitals in the world".
"Among many of ADP achievements in different areas to become one of the most important police organizations in the world, is to deter reckless drivers who do not respond to advice, guidance and traffic awareness efforts to curb accidents", Added Al Harthi.
"Traffic control does not target committed drivers but that small category which have made of their vehicles a killing and humans exhausting machine. Their unbecoming behaviors stain the bright image of the country. Traffic police elements are not feel happy when they book a driver but they advise them verbally. But some drivers do not heed. This is the category we are targeting", added Al Harthi.
"Any one who has doubts about strict traffic control should pay a visit to any one of traffic accidents victims in hospital bed. Some people who are in drastic need for help the emergency car can not reach them because one irresponsible diver has blocked the way. How can we make our capital one of the best capitals in the world, while the deaths and injuries exceed the required world rate?" added al Harthi.
"Most of accidents are due to human faults, non-compliance with traffic rules such as sudden turn and stopping, jumping from one lane to another, not leaving adequate distance between vehicles, jumping the red light and exceeding speed limit. Some mistakes are committed by pedestrians such as crossing roads at undesignated spots. All these practices need traffic awareness and creation of traffic culture among the public", added al Harthi.
"Traffic accidents are all community members' nightmare. They target the most important element of life, the human beings. Let us not forget social, psychological and health problems resulting from severe accidents. Non-adherence to traffic rules, drivers tiredness, use of mobile phone, reckless driving, lack of periodical servicing and maintenance of vehicle, exceeding speed limits, driving while you are in a bad mood all these are causes of accidents", added al Harthi.
"The Department through its annual activities and honoring of exemplary drivers aims at enhancing partnership with the public and raising the rates of traffic safety, and curbing uncivilized behaviors and phenomena", added al Harthi.
Al Harthi urges all drivers to create a safe traffic environment for all road users so as to protect them against accidents and the resulting deaths and injuries. The awareness campaign will continue to make our roads safer.