Deeper traffic law changes needed
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled issued a ministerial decision for new amendments to certain provisions of the traffic regulation for non-Kuwaitis who wish to obtain a driving license. The new law links the license to the validity of residence in the country and the required salary should be not less than KD 600 instead of the KD 400 as it used to be. Of course, other conditions such as passing fitness and driving tests are also required. Cancellation of the driving license is linked with the cancellation or change of residence and profession. The new law has exceptions for some people such as college students.
This law aims to reduce the number of holders of driving licenses and control traffic jams and overcrowding on the roads. I have not seen major changes that will ease the traffic problem in Kuwait. I don’t think this law will change a thing on the roads or the number of accidents. Some people will be affected by this law because their salaries may not reach KD 600, and yet they still need a car to get a job and move around town, such as salespeople.
The problem that will occur due to this law is that it will give more power to corrupt business owners to make their workers agree on paper that they receive KD 600 or more just to enable them to get a driving license. Thus the problem will not be solved and the worker will struggle more because he/she can’t reveal lying on official documents. This could lead them to trouble with the police and the sponsor too.
One of the problems of driving licenses in Kuwait is those who obtained it without legal justification and wasta. If the MoI knows who these drivers are, then why don’t they just take their licenses and send them for investigation to find out who gave them the license.
Traffic is a worldwide problem and the real end to this and high rates of death and accidents every day are easy, but needs serious decision. First, developing public transportation is essential with more than two bus companies. The pathetic bus stops are not suitable for human use. They lack the minimum emergency needs such as hotlines and a shade from rain, sun and cold. I wonder why none of the Islamic charity associations that collect money for unknown overseas organizations do not do anything for the real poor people who use these kinds of means to move around.
Second, why everyone goes to work at the same time? Schools can start by 9 am and employees can start by 7 am. I know some would say because parents are taking their kids to school. School buses can help with this and parents can go to work on time. These are different solutions to the alleged traffic.
Finally, awareness and respect of human life is essential. Many people use mobiles while driving and run the red light. They know that they should not do this, but they keep doing it because they don’t respect others and they don’t care about their own life. For example, have you seen how many parents keep their little babies on their laps while driving, or texting and driving? They know that this is wrong and dangerous, but they don’t care about themselves or others. This carelessness is everywhere here and that is why we will keep struggling even with a hundred traffic laws.