Jordan Blog

A few days ago, the government reported some good news with respect to traffic, namely that traffic accidents have decreased by about 23 per cent in the month of August, despite the significant increase of traffic in this particular month.

This is good news indeed!

But the same government announcement attributed the decrease to the measures adopted by the various governmental and nongovernmental authorities concerned with traffic.

This is also good news, because it shows that the traffic problem can be dealt with effectively and that traffic havoc and accidents, unlike what some thought, could be curbed if measures are implemented consistently and forcefully.

The government report does not name the measures, but much, I believe, can be attributed to police visibility and vigilance.

I have always felt that the only way to curb and eliminate irresponsible, reckless behaviour is through strict, constant and consistent application of the law.

Yes, explanation, education and preaching are important. The only way, however, to deal with traffic violators effectively is to stop, fine or in serious cases, which are many, arrest them.

We in Jordan care a lot about addressing the traffic problems for many reasons; I will mention three.

First, the loss of human life and the infliction of injuries and casualties in such a vain, reckless manner is sad and unacceptable.

One can understand, though by no means condone or justify, people dying when war happens, when earthquakes or other calamities strike. But so many people to die in traffic accidents!

Traffic safety is the right of each and every road user: pedestrian, passenger and motorist; man, child or woman.

Second, traffic havoc and lawless ways of motoring vex road users, affect their psyche and human relations negatively.

Motoring on our roads is such a tormenting experience. It is the right of each and every road user to use the road - motoring, crossing streets, walking or riding - comfortably. As things stand, there is very little comfort on our roads.

Third, we always take traffic behaviour as an indicator of a society’s development and civility.

An improvement of the traffic situation, therefore, is an indication of the improvement of our society’s progress and civility.

One hopes that what the government announced, concerning improved traffic situation, is indicative of what is to come: continuous reduction not only of traffic accidents, but also of traffic disorder and discomfort.

For this, maybe more police visibility and vigilance is required.

One looks forward to the day when road use in our country is not only safe but also comfortable and enjoyable.