KUWAIT CITY, Jan 9: Assistant Director of Traffic Awareness at the General Traffic Department Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan says the newly installed cameras can monitor seat belt violations for both the driver and the front-seat passenger, for which citations are being recorded against the vehicle owner. In a press statement, he affirmed the importance of the use of seat belts for both the driver and their companion. Lt. Colonel Bu Hassan revealed that the cameras, which are also designated to detect violations related to phone use while driving, captured a total of 18,778 violations over 15 days in December 2024. Of these, 4,944 violations were related to the use of mobile phones while driving. He also highlighted a decrease in traffic-related fatalities in 2024, with 284 deaths reported compared to 296 in 2023, This is a reduction of 12 cases despite the increase in the number of vehicles, roads, and driving licenses. Lt. Colonel Bu Hassan attributed this positive trend to the ongoing efforts of the General Traffic Department, under the leadership of the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Major General Yousef Al-Khudda. These efforts include extensive awareness campaigns through the Traffic Awareness Department and the Ministry of Interior’s Security Media Department, which continues to host events and activities aimed at educating the public about traffic laws. These initiatives have contributed to the decline in traffic fatalities compared to previous years.

Meanwhile, Director of the Security Media Department at the Ministry of Interior Colonel Othman Al-Gharib says the recent decrease in traffic-related fatalities is a direct result of the ministry’s ongoing traffic awareness efforts and the proactive measures taken by the General Traffic Department to address serious violations.

He urged drivers to refrain from using mobile phones while driving and to always fasten their seat belts, stressing that these simple actions are vital for their own safety and the safety of other road users. In an interview with Kuwait Radio, Colonel Al-Gharib explained that the Security Media Department continuously monitors and deals with all public appeals, observations, and complaints related to traffic issues on social media. These concerns are promptly followed up in coordination with the General Traffic Department to ensure quick resolution. He affirmed that the General Department of Security Relations and Media runs year-round security and traffic awareness campaigns, which include educating the public about the new artificial intelligence cameras that detect seat belt and mobile phone violations.