Traffic mishaps claim 13 lives in second quarter

Manama : As many as 13 deaths caused by traffic accidents were reported in the second quarter of 2017, the latest figures showed.

According to the latest statistics issued by the General Directorate of Traffic in Interior Ministry, 288 traffic accidents occurred in April, May, and June. 

Thirteen people lost their lives in those accidents, while 97 suffered serious injuries and 172 escaped with minor injuries.

However, the number of accidents steadily decreased in the three months, with108 accidents reported in April, 94 in May and 80 in June.

The data released by the directorate also showed that the majority of traffic offences committed by drivers in the same period was using handheld mobile phones while driving. 

It also showed that 6,002 vehicles were registered in the three months, increasing the number of registered vehicles in Bahrain from 664, 746 to 670, 748.

This comes while the directorate implemented new measures recently to reduce traffic offences and accidents, in coordination with the related official and civil authorities. 

The procedures included adjusting the implementation method of the traffic law, readjusting the speed limits on the Kingdom’s main highways and conducting awareness campaigns.

As reported by DT News on Wednesday, Traffic Culture Director Lieutenant Colonel Osama Bahar the General Directorate of Traffic managed to reduce traffic offences by 75 percent in April.