Amman, May 10 (Petra) – The Public Security Directorate (PSD) marked World Traffic Day and Arab Traffic Week on Friday, honoring the victims of road accidents and highlighting the importance of adherence to traffic laws and safe road culture as the foundation for a secure society.

The PSD said traffic accident data serves as a scientific reference to evaluate current efforts and guide further initiatives to protect lives and property.

Officials noted a decline in traffic fatalities so far this year compared to previous years, attributing the drop to effective safety measures. However, the directorate stressed the need for continued efforts, stating that "every life saved makes a difference."

According to 2024 statistics, pedestrian-related accidents were the leading cause of road deaths, accounting for 42.4% of fatalities, with 230 people killed. The PSD said tackling this issue is a top priority.

Major Engineer Shadi Haddad, head of the traffic investigation division, said many fatal incidents were caused by careless behaviors that are easy to avoid, such as crossing roads at undesignated areas, using mobile phones while walking, or drivers failing to stop at pedestrian crossings.

He also warned against crossing the high-frequency routes of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, where buses can pass every minute in some areas, making such crossings highly dangerous.

While pedestrians may share blame in some cases, Haddad emphasized that drivers also bear full responsibility to remain alert, especially in populated areas and along highways passing through residential zones locations often linked to fatal accidents.

Engineer Shadi Rawabdeh, Director of Traffic Operations at the Greater Amman Municipality, said the municipality is working with the Traffic Department to improve road infrastructure. This includes building pedestrian bridges and crossings, installing warning signs and traffic lights in hazardous areas, and launching awareness initiatives in schools.

He noted that the BRT network is equipped with full safety measures, such as overpasses, elevators, and nighttime lighting. The city has so far built 136 pedestrian bridges across the capital and plans further expansion based on traffic flow and road characteristics.

The PSD reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring community awareness, integrated legislation, law enforcement, and cultural change to reduce accidents and protect lives.

//Petra// AF

10/05/2025 20:20:02