Interior Undersecretary and Chairman of the Higher · even hit by grief-stricken family members, but this is rare. Comfort and services The hospital also offers medical services and

Issue No.10 - August 20072

Interior Undersecretary and Chairman of the Higher

Traffic Council, its members, and Al-Mururiya staff

pray for the swift recovery of

First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister

of Interior and Minister of Defense

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah

who underwent a successful surgical procedure.

Issue No.10 - August 2007 3

It has many merits and aims at achieving security and safety for everyone;

foremost justice and preserving lives of people and properties.

It awards those who are committed and punishes those who are not, but in

variable degrees. It does not punish for the sake of punishment, but even in

punishment for those who violate, it aims at preserving their safety while

driving as well as preserving their property.

Because of its merits, many people started to overlook its instructions and

guidance, which hurts it and makes it feel bitter toward this relentless assault

and the disrespect shown to it.

This has triggered it to gather its strength and resort to different means: the

use of force and accusing those who disrespect the law ?who do not realize

how lethal it is to break the law and violate instructions, because of their

uncivilized behavior ?in order to achieve justice, stability and safeguarding

of lives and properties of all.

It started to ask:

How long will it be facing this misbehavior?

For how long will this blatant violation for its rules and instructions

continue?

For how long will some people fail to realize the dangers of their reckless

behavior?

Answering these questions and other queries will be realized via commitment

in humane and noble values and principles, foremost Islamic morals and

merits, coupled with strict means in dealing with those who violate the rules.

Misbehavior will fade away and vanish through joint collaboration between

the administration and the individuals, institutions, authorities and NGOs.

It is the Traffic Law: the friend of everybody, big and small, citizens and

expatriates. It is the civilized facade for the state, which is the most visible

thing in our daily life, and pleads that everyone respects its rules and

regulations, but only for your sake.

For Your Sake

Colonel

Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Al-Traiji

E-mail: [email protected]

Al-Mururiya (Traffic)

Monthly traffic awareness, cul-tural,

social, comprehensive magazine

Issue No. 10 (August 2007)

Issued byHigher Traffic Council

Editor in chiefColonel Dr. Abdullah M. Al-Traiji

Deputy Editor in chiefDr. Abdullah I. Al-Turaif

Managing EditorColonel Rabee’a M. Al-Mutairi

Executive Editor

Adel Bader Botaiban

English Translation & EditingEman Mohammad Al-Awadhi

Published articles reflect the opinions

of their writers and do not necessarily

represent the views of the magazine

Contents In this Issue

Al-Mururiya: In the past few years, Dubai has been home to great urban expansion and a subsequent increase in the number of vehicles. What are the solutions and strategies adopted by the Traf cDepartment to keep up with this development and growth?

Urban expansion in Dubai is one of the many aspects of

development in commerce and tourism, and advancement

in the different sectors cannot be achieved without good

infrastructure. Just imagine, last year alone, more than six

million people visited Dubai, and accommodating this

large number demands the best services. Making sure

traf c ows smoothly tops our list of priorities, which

is why Dubai has adopted a clear vision on what can be

called “the shortest laid

road leading to the heart of

the visitor.” Studies have

shown that Dubai’s visitors

have a desire to return time

and again to repeat the

colorful experience they had

and witness the continuous

development and change of

the city.

In dealing with traf c

issues, Dubai has placed

An interview with

Brigadier Essa Aman ObaidActing Director General of the Traffic Department Dubai Police

The UAE, and Dubai to be precise, is the destination for many businessmen and tourists from all around the world, and this compels authorities to provide the best possible services, including guaranteeing smooth traf c ow. On this and many other topics, Brigadier Essa Aman Obaid, Acting Director General of the Traf c Department – Dubai Police, spoke to Al-Mururiya. And here are details of the interview:

a number of horizontal and vertical strategies,

whereby they take into account the roads because

driving cannot be made safe without roads being

laid according to international standards, and also

the driver. For the driver, plans and programs have

been placed to raise traf c awareness, without

which driving cannot be made safe.

Al-Mururiya: When did Dubai place systems

that shaped the characteristics of safe

driving?

Dubai is like any other city, and it is affected

like they are. There is no doubt that laws cannot

be placed overnight or in anticipation of a

problem, and the truth is Dubai suffered from

traf c problems, and due to its commercial and

touristic nature, we sought similar examples to

bene t from their experiences and try to apply

them. Moreover, out of keenness for maintaining

traf c ow, we invited a number of international

experts, held numerous seminars and conducted

many studies in cooperation with the Decision-

Making Support Center (formerly the Studies and

Research Center) of Dubai Police. This is besides

activities organized by the Traf c Department

since its establishment.

What I must make clear here is that Dubai and all

traf c related authorities – including the Traf c

Department, the Road and Communications

Authority, Dubai Municipality, and others

– have a comprehensive plan for cooperation

and coordination among them in order to face

all obstacles that may be encountered with the

continuous increase of vehicles in the city. We

have different plans, strategies and scenarios to

counter any phenomena that could destabilize the

concept of safe driving.

Al-Mururiya: Do you think Dubai’s roads are safe now in light of awareness campaigns and the use of modern technology?

Such questions can be answered through periodic

studies, polls and researches that follow up

on this issue, and they indicate that despite the

increase in number of vehicles, the number

of accidents remains almost unchanged. This

6العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 العدد العاشر أغسطس العدد العاشر أغسطس 20072007 7

Dubai handles traf c issues in line with several strategies

Traffic Talk

630% of30% of Al-RaziAl-Razi

Hospital’sHospital’s patients arepatients are

youthyouth

Numbers and statisticsTo begin with, Al-Mukaimi said 8,000 cases were admitted to Al-Razi Hospital every month, and these cases varied from foot, leg and thigh fractures to others all around the body, with the exception of skull fractures that are referred to the Neurology Hospital and those of the ribcage that are transferred to the Chest Hospital. Of the admitted cases, 25% are traf c-related. He

added that statistics showed that of the 228 cases every

day, Kuwaitis represent 25%, with 30% of the

total being youth.Age groups

As for age groups, Al-Mukaimi said cases admitted to the hospital could not be limited to a single category

because no one is safe from accidents.

He said, however, that youth were more

involved in accidents, especially those aged 18-28.

Alerts and holidaysAsked about the occasions in which more accidents occurred, the doctor said this was generally during public holidays, adding that during these days, Al-Razi staff is on alert. He also noted that accidents increased during weekends - between Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning - and also in the summer afternoons and nights. He explained that at these times people started going out and places were often crowded. Also, Saturday morning is the beginning of the week and many

people are found speeding to work, overlooking many traf cregulations, which means more accidents occur and more cases are subsequently admitted to hospital.

CostsWhen asked about the nancialcost per patient, Al-Mukaimi said that it was KD 66-80, and could sometimes be as high as KD 220 at intensive care units. He said, however, that the real loss was when a person lost a limb or was left paralyzed. He also noted the problems that arise within the family during extended treatment periods and other unexpected issues.

PhysiotherapyAl-Mukaimi said the physio-therapy department in Al-Razi Hospital follows up on cases once they are discharged. We hope to increase the capacity of this department to better ac-commodate the huge numbers of patients, he said. Moreover, he said there were only 300 beds in the hospital itself, and it is rare to nd a vacant one.

Accidents and strange casesWhen asked to recount strange cases admitted to the hospital, he said that he came across many, especially when the cases were the result of traf caccidents. He noted that many people, with good intentions, tried to help injured people, but their lack of knowledge may cause side effects, besides the block of traf c ow. The doctor stressed that accidents that occurred within three seconds of the initial accident are almost always more dangerous because

one car is speeding while the other is stationary. “One strange case is when an a person injured in a traf c accident was brought in by his friends, only to discover that his leg was severed and still in the damaged vehicle. We had to send an ambulance to retrieve it,” he said. Al-Mukaimi added that Kuwait had the strangest traf c injuries in the world, and in many cases foreign specialists were brought in to deal with them. Talking about accidents caused by the ATVs, or the “machines of death,” is endless, and in one case, we had a four-year-old boy called Omar who was himself driving an ATV. Such cases have increased in recent years, especially in spring breaks and other school holidays. Al-Mukaimi also said one motorcyclist was reported to have been ung as high as the lamp post before falling to the ground and breaking his bones. Some cases require 24 hours of continuous surgery.

ReactionsAs for reactions of the injured

and their families, Al-Mukaimi said they varied. Some are very patient while others go into shock, and this is where the hospital’s medical team comes in. The team helps the patient adapt to the new situation. In some cases we are insulted or even hit by grief-stricken family members, but this is rare.

Comfort and servicesThe hospital also offers medical services and other services to make sure that patients are as comfortable as possible, especially for children who enjoy an entertaining environment

Traffic Issue

We will not speak long about the tragedies that traf ��

��

14العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 1514

High temperatures, lack of

vehicle maintenance, not having a

re extinguisher or an ineffective

one, leaving pressurized canisters

or cigarette lighters under the sun

are all elements that can lead to

an explosion and setting a car

on re. This is why it is a traf c

safety requirement to have a re

extinguisher installed in every

vehicle, and this is inspected when

a new car is licensed or an old one

is inspected for renewal.

In these few pages, we will go

through some procedures and notes that have

to be taken into account when purchasing a re

extinguisher, as well as types suitable for different

vehicles, and how to use them should the need

arise.

Parts of the extinguisher

We must rst become acquainted with the different

parts of the extinguisher, which comprises a metal

cylinder to hold the extinguishing substance

and a hose – which is not found in smaller

extinguishers – and a round metal bolt that holds

the operating handle in place and is responsible

for holding the extinguishing substance in. It also

comprises a xed handle and a mobile operating

handle which is used to eject the substance,

alongside the pressure gauge that indicates the

extinguisher is good for use – this can be found in

all extinguishers except those containing carbon

dioxide, where validity is determined through

weight and maintenance.

Method of use

For the best results and

to minimize losses, an

extinguisher must be held

well from the handle,

the safety bolt is pulled

out, the hose is aimed at

the base of the ames,

and then the operating

handle is pushed down.

The ejected substance

must be sprayed along

the base of the re, right

and left, while standing

in the direction of the

wind and maintaining

a distance of 2-3 meters. Before all of this, one

must remain calm and in control, and training on

the use of the extinguisher is also important.

Before use

One must periodically check the extinguisher

and make sure that it is full and ready for use.

One must also be aware of what types of res the

extinguisher can be used to put out. Also, when

putting out res in a closed place, one must be

careful to keep the exit route open and not allow

ames to block the escape path.

In the event of a re,

the car must be stopped

immediately and the

engine is put off.

The battery must be

unplugged if possible,

while putting out the ames if the re is small

and helping passengers out. After making sure

they are all safe and away from the re, call 777.

Precautionary measures

A re can be prevented by putting off engines

while fueling, not leaving cigarette lighters or

pressurized canisters in the car so as not to react

with the high temperatures, and not placing

batteries on the back seat or the trunk as they

can cause electrical charge when in contact with

metal objects. Also, one must not use the mobile

phone in fueling stations.

Fire extinguishers

Safety First

What do you know about them?

How are they used?

Are they necessary?


Each type of car requires an extinguisher of a certain weight 18Issue No.10 - August 20074


66

Letters send to

Editor - in - Chief

:Address

Higher Traffic Council

Kuwait - Shuwaikh B

Block 2 Street 20

Tel. : 484 7893 / 484 9857

Fax: 481 4356

P.O. Box: 8 Shamiya 71661

Kuwait

E-mail: [email protected]

An interview withBrigadier Essa Aman Obaid Acting Director General of theTraffic Department Dubai Police

Traffic News 10

Traffic Issue 14

Traffic Study 24

Legal Highlights 26

Op-Ed By Dr. Khalid Al-Shallal 28

Safe driving requires that the driver have clear vision in all di-

rections and angles, including the rear view and side mirrors.

However, these mirrors do not suf ce in some cases, especially

in relation to the driver’s “blind spot.” This so-called blind spot

causes many side collisions. Many attempts were made to solve

this problem, including the installation of concave mirrors direct-

ly on part of the side mirror, but this can also be useless if its size

is not just right or is not positioned correctly. Car manufacturers

got to the point where they were installing these concave attach-

ments on side mirrors to ensure they were the right size and at

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

the right location, but they caused confusion for

some drivers.

Lately, one of the most prestigious car manufac-

turers developed the Blind Spot Information Sys-

tem (BLIS) which warns the driver when there is

a vehicle in the blind spot. The system comprises

two cameras, one below each side mirror, and

they each take 80 shots per minute and compare

these shots to determine whether there is anoth-

er vehicle next to the car. In this case, an alarm

ashes on the console, warning the driver against

making a turn. This system operates in daylight

and at night and can detect all vehicles, including

motorcycles. This is yet another technological

revolution for safe driving.

Traffic Technology


- Special culture required for use of vehicles as means to express emotions, psychological circumstances- Failing to implement law encourages youth to commit violations- Kuwait constructed rst traf c city for children in 1979

Any type of education depends on the time of initiation, its broad outlines and how it is implemented. How one is brought up plays an important role in activating the concept of education, and the educator has the ability to bring up a child in any way, and this takes the form of behavior acquired during the education process.Traf c education is part of the acquired behavior that children are brought up to understand. Here we will present you with the ndings of a study submitted to the Higher Traf c Council’s rst research contest on the role of traf c education in bringing up children. The study was conducted by Engineer Khalid bin Mohammad Hilal, head of the industrial engineering violations department at Khafji Operations Center.To begin with, the researcher noted that

Kuwait established the rst comprehensive traf c city for children in 1979, located at Jamal Abdul-Nasser Park. This was considered the rst school for children that allowed them to acquire suitable traf cbehavior and understand traf c regulations, how to cross the road, rights of pedestrians, and other related issues.The researcher said that most state in the USA taught traf c safety and proper driving as a high school requirement.The study is an attempt to shed light on the importance of traf c education for Arab children in general and GCC children in particular.

Avoiding accidentsThe research paper noted that there were four main factors contributing to accidents: operating failure (driver), vehicle failure (sudden breakdown), bad weather, and the accumulative passage of time leading to the overlap of these factors. It explained that traf c accidents could be the result of the overlap of two or more of the above mentioned factors. The larger the overlap, the greater the severity of the accident,

Traffic Study

Traffic upbringing curbs road war

and if accidents cannot be prevented, then their frequency can at least be reduced, thereby limiting losses. This can be achieved through compromise on the part of one or all sides, while bearing in mind the stability of other factors such as road conditions, good vehicle maintenance, and driving ef ciency.The paper shows that defensive driving is the rstline of defense when preventing traf c accidents, adding that it leads to mental and physical readiness to react to any unexpected occurrence on the road.

Danger is nearIf a driver senses danger from another driver, he has to slow down at once and ash the headlight or honk the horn, while heading to the right lane until the other driver is alerted. The researcher stressed that the driver must not be harassed on the road as this could be fatal, adding that the driver had to be in a full state of mental and physical alertness to face any danger, especially on longer journeys. He stressed the need to stop when feeling tired to rejuvenate, and that care had to be taken when on medication that could cause drowsiness.He explained that there were other types of collisions, including running pedestrians, ramming into stationary objects, and colliding into objects while backing out. Lack of traf c awareness and failing to implement the law have led to traf c problems and a new culture is needed in the Arab world and the Gulf region, and that is the culture of vehicle use. The paper noted that driving was used as a means to express emotions and re ected the psychological status of its driver.

He also noted that preventing accidents was in predicting danger, knowing the mechanics of proper defense, reacting in time, and being cautious.

CollisionsThe researcher also discussed how to keep distance from the car in front to prevent head-on collisions, avoiding collisions at intersections, and those resulting from overtaking other vehicles. He said ambiguous accidents accounted for one third of all deadly accidents annually, where a vehicle collides with an object on the side of the road. It is referred to as ambiguous because the drivers die in most cases, and those that stay alive hardly ever admit to their faults. The paper called for caution at road curves and reducing speed when coming up to them, as well as watching out for road signs. It noted that rain, storms, mist, and darkness were dangers that drivers faced. These can be avoided through precautionary driving, he said, adding that a vehicle’s deteriorating condition can be the major factor in an ambiguous accident.

Solutions The researcher concluded his study with several recommendations:• Raising awareness among youth on traf cregulations, while convincing ?in their own language ?of the importance of law abidance • Bene ting from GCC media organizations in creating cartoon characters that adhered to law, and speci cally traf c regulations • Reviewing traf c laws and including penalties in the form of social services such as working in an ambulance or nursing • T o u g h e n i n g


24

26العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 26العدد العاشر أغسطس 272007 العدد العاشر أغسطس 2007 27

During the convention, four main committees were formed:

1- Committee for traf c road regulations

2 - Committee for traf c signs

3 - Committee for technical aspects related to vehicles on

the road

4 - Committee for issues related to the convention

Unifying signs

There are two road sign systems, one is European and the

other is American. Most systems used around the world are

based on these two because the cost of changing them would

be too great and could negatively impact road safety.

The goal that was agreed upon was the need to unify road

signs and for them to be used extensively on roads while

adding the local language to them for further clari cation.

Thus, one can say that the aim is to unifying the road

sign system, at least at the regional level. Traf c lights are

also an important method for regulating traf c ow and

pedestrian movement, especially at crossings and squares

where traf c is greater and where the need arises for traf c

regulation to prevent accidents.

Important regulation methods

Traf c road signs are considered import methods for traf c

regulation and are used to warn road users of dangers ahead.

They are placed at a certain distance before the source of

danger and are fashioned in such a way that they can be

clearly seen both day and night while taking into account

the circumstances of the road and general traf c ow. There

are signs that indicate road priority at crossings or narrow

roads, which sometimes tell a driver to stop and check for

upcoming cars before moving on. Moreover, some signs

warn against certain actions and are placed a suf cient

distance from the locations they indicate, while others are

used for guidance and information which give the driver

useful data.

All of the aforementioned signs

must be placed in such a way that

they do not obstruct traf c ow and are clearly visible from a distance. They must also

be lighted at night without glaring.

Because of the importance of road and traf c signs, the traf c law placed certain

penalties for those who tamper with them, and they are as follows:

Accusation

Traf c Court

Settlement PointsPrison term not

exceedingFine not exceeding

Damaging traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Damaging traffic lights KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Tampering with appearance of traffic signs

KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Altering location of traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Altering direction of traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Placing stickers on traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Construction and traf c signs

Legal HighlightsThe Convention on Road Traf c, held in Vienna in 1964, is considered one of the most importance conferences held in the past century, and was attended by representatives from 67 UN members, ve non-UN member states, three specialized agencies, and seven international organizations, including the Arab League. There were also 17 representatives from organizations that specialized in traf c and roads.

26

Al-Mururiya: In the past few years, Dubai has been home to great urban expansion and a subsequent increase in the number of vehicles. What are the solutions and strategies adopted by the Traffic Department to keep up with this development and growth?

Urban expansion in Dubai is one of the many aspects of

development in commerce and tourism, and advancement

in the different sectors cannot be achieved without good

infrastructure. Just imagine, last year alone, more than six

million people visited Dubai, and accommodating this

large number demands the best services. Making sure

traffic flows smoothly tops our list of priorities, which

is why Dubai has adopted a clear vision on what can be

called “the shortest laid

road leading to the heart of

the visitor.” Studies have

shown that Dubai’s visitors

have a desire to return time

and again to repeat the

colorful experience they had

and witness the continuous

development and change of

the city.

In dealing with traffic

issues, Dubai has placed

An interview with

Brigadier Essa Aman ObaidActing Director General of the Traffic Department Dubai Police

The UAE, and Dubai to be precise, is the destination for many businessmen and tourists from all around the world, and this compels authorities to provide the best possible services, including guaranteeing smooth traffic flow. On this and many other topics, Brigadier Essa Aman Obaid, Acting Director General of the Traffic Department – Dubai Police, spoke to Al-Mururiya. And here are details of the interview:

Traffic Talk


a number of horizontal and vertical strategies,

whereby they take into account the roads because

driving cannot be made safe without roads being

laid according to international standards, and also

the driver. For the driver, plans and programs have

been placed to raise traffic awareness, without

which driving cannot be made safe.

Al-Mururiya: When did Dubai place systems

that shaped the characteristics of safe

driving?

Dubai is like any other city, and it is affected

like they are. There is no doubt that laws cannot

be placed overnight or in anticipation of a

problem, and the truth is Dubai suffered from

traffic problems, and due to its commercial and

touristic nature, we sought similar examples to

benefit from their experiences and try to apply

them. Moreover, out of keenness for maintaining

traffic flow, we invited a number of international

experts, held numerous seminars and conducted

many studies in cooperation with the Decision-

Making Support Center (formerly the Studies and

Research Center) of Dubai Police. This is besides

activities organized by the Traffic Department

since its establishment.

What I must make clear here is that Dubai and all

traffic related authorities – including the Traffic

Department, the Road and Communications

Authority, Dubai Municipality, and others

– have a comprehensive plan for cooperation

and coordination among them in order to face

all obstacles that may be encountered with the

continuous increase of vehicles in the city. We

have different plans, strategies and scenarios to

counter any phenomena that could destabilize the

concept of safe driving.

Al-Mururiya: Do you think Dubai’s roads are safe now in light of awareness campaigns and the use of modern technology?

Such questions can be answered through periodic

studies, polls and researches that follow up

on this issue, and they indicate that despite the

increase in number of vehicles, the number

of accidents remains almost unchanged. This

Dubai handles traffic issues in line with several strategies


reflects the success of

awareness campaigns and

programs which are organized

by the Traffic Department

in cooperation with the

departments of security media

and security awareness at the

Social Services Department.

There are also programs

related to the Roads Authority

and cooperation is constant

with different media channels,

which respond favorably and

cooperate in spreading traffic

culture and awareness.

Also, modern technology is

being employed, including fixed and mobile radars

and instruments for photographing violators. In its

campaign “The Decision is Yours,” photographs

of violating cars are published in newspapers,

which led to a drop in the number of accidents

and violations. Within this sphere, photographs

of violating cars can now be fed into special

devices that record violations as soon as they are

made and enter data directly into our computer

systems.

Al-Mururiya: Media reported that Dubai has implemented a system whereby fines and tickets are sent through SMS. How effective has this method been?

Dubai aims at complete law implementation

and activation using all available means and

by investing in all resources. Studies and long

deliberations have show that issuing tickets alone

is not very fruitful and does not guide drivers and

show them their mistakes. Thus, the system has

no clear goal, because a person cannot understand

a violation or crime without

there being a punishment and

having those around them

show them how dangerous

their acts are to the society

in general. This is why we

decided to send the ticket to

the violator as soon as the

act is committed so that he

or she may learn from their

mistake. This method has

had a positive impact, and

has helped reduce elements

that cause serious accidents,

including speeding and

Issuing tickets alone does not show drivers their mistakes


running red lights. We also avoided

such violations that obstruct the flow

of traffic, including overtaking cars or

being in the yellow zone during traffic

congestions.

Al-Mururiya: In light of your

previous remarks, is driving on

Dubai’s highways safe? And are

drivers aware of safety procedures

and the need to adhere to speed

limits?

The number of traffic accidents and

their severity, as well as violations, are

an indication of the high standards of

Dubai’s roads, bearing in mind that

the city has a large percentage of the

latest car models. All of this reaffirms

that driving on these highways is very

safe, especially as drivers now have

good traffic culture regarding safety

procedures and through abiding by

regulations and laws placed by the

Traffic Department.

Al-Mururiya: Has electronic

surveillance of Dubai’s roads played

a role in curbing violations? And

have patrol vehicles had an impact?

"The Decision is Yours" campaign had a positive impact, reduced accidents and violations


Model driver competition

Radio Show

HTC’s ThirdTraffic Contest:

“Alertness is Your Key to Safety”

The end of July was the final date for registering

for the “Model Driver” competition, which comes

to highlight the importance of abiding by traffic

regulations by staying away from inappropriate

conduct on roads. It also promotes the civil

image of Kuwait. The competition, the first of its

kind, was approved by Interior Undersecretary

and Chairman of the Higher Traffic Council,

and awards are given to those holding both

private and general driving licenses, as well

motorcyclists, of all nationalities and ages. There

are three categories: 18-25 years, 26-36 years,

and 37 and above. Each award is worth KD 250

and of the 2246 people who registered, 56% were

Kuwaitis. A draw will be held and names of the

winners will be announced through the different

media channels and the Higher Traffic Council’s

website, as well as Al-Mururiya magazine. The

magazine’s staff wish everyone success.

Spreading traffic awareness and principles in the society is important,

and thus preparations are ongoing at the Higher Traffic Council’s

Secretariat for the Third Ramadan Traffic Contest that will be held

under the slogan “Alertness is Your Key to Safety.” Last year’s

contest was greatly popular, with more than 100,000 coupons

submitted for the draw, in a clear indication of the success of the

event.

As part of the Higher Traffic Council’s awareness efforts, it participated in preparing an

episode of the “Ready for the People” radio show aired on Wednesday, July 25 on FM 108.7.

Listeners interacted greatly and focus was on traffic laws and safety. Al-Mururiya staff would

like to thank the producers and directors of the show.

Traffic News


Traffic problems and HTCColumnist Miteb bin Othman Al-Saeed wrote

an article in Al-Watan newspaper on July 27

entitled “Traffic Problems and the Higher

Traffic Council” in which he commended

the traffic seminar held at the Diwaniya of

Abdulaziz Al-Ghannam and his brothers in

Abdullah Al-Salem Area

which was attended by

many people interested in

traffic matters, and was

covered by Al-Mururiya

magazine. He noted the civil

manner in which discussion

took place and hoped that

opinions that were voiced

would be taken into account

so as to contribute to efforts

of the Higher Traffic

Council. The columnist

ended his article with

verses of poetry, and we thank him for his

kind words. Al-Mururiya, under directive of

Interior Undersecretary and Chairman of the

Higher Traffic Council, will continue to visit

diwaniyas to better understand their concerns

and ideas regarding traffic issues.

The scenic beauty and the many

palm trees that are distinctive of

the Sultanate of Oman, as well

as the country’s environmental

keenness, have driven Omani

investor Mohammad bin Saif

Al-Harthi and his partners at

“Oman Green Energy Company”

to successfully transform dates

into biofuel, thus replacing

fossil fuels used now. Al-Harthi

said he had obtained a license

from the Ministry of Commerce

and Industry for setting up a

facility to produce this fuel,

adding that he intended to tour

the Gulf region in a car powered

by this new fuel for maximum

marketing and promotion.

Oman’s dates and car fuel


Traffic accidents are mainly resultant from failing to abide by laws when using the road, and lead to tragic injuries and deaths. An analytical look at statistics of accidents that occurred in May 2007 show a total of 25,493 accidents, an increase of 1% over the same month last year.

Statistics also showed that the greatest number of accidents were registered in the Capital (Asima) and Hawally governorates, while the number was considerably lower in Jahra and Mubarak Al-Kabeer. Meanwhile Farwaniya and Ahmadi accounted for the greatest percentage of injuries (minor and serious). As for traffic-related deaths, the largest number was also recorded in Jarha and Ahmadi.

These numbers give dangerous indications, where in Jahra there was the greatest number of traffic-related deaths despite it having the lowest number of accidents. This indicates the

severity of the accidents that occur in that area.

Meanwhile, Ahmadi and Farwaniya recorded the highest percentage of traffic-related injuries but lower rates of accidents. This also indicates that accidents occurring in these two governorates are dangerous.

Thus, there is a need for conducting an analytical study to understand the real reasons behind these results, and this requires more detailed information in order to stop needless bloodshed on roads. One must also note that 28% of traffic-related deaths occurred between those aged 21 to 30. Is anyone out heeding our call?

Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents for Jan-June 2007

Hawally Farwaniya Jahra Ahmadi Mubarak Al-Kabeer

Traffic-related deaths, injuries for Jan-June 2007

Percentage of traffic accidents,injuries and deaths for Jan-June 2007

Accidents Injuries Deaths

Injuries

Capital Hawally Farwaniya Jahra Ahmadi Mubarak Al-Kabeer

Deaths

Capital

Hawally

Farwaniya

Jahra

Ahmadi

Mubarak Al-Kabeer


Mass transportation a courageous Mass transportation a courageous attempt to address traffic problems attempt to address traffic problems

for school year 2007-2008for school year 2007-2008

School bus is

students’ friend

Because traffic congestion is a daily nightmare for most of citizens and expatriates in Kuwait, the Higher Traffic Council (HTC) has been keen on offering proposals to eliminate this problem by all means possible. Among these proposals were tasking related authorities with taking necessary measures to place suitable solutions and concentrate on mass transportation for school students.This issue was discussed at the highest levels between HTC and the Ministry of Education, and recently, Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) agreed to be involved in a courageous and leading experiment that would place creative and decisive solutions for traffic congestion. The Cabinet approved the matter after reviewing the following recommendations:• KPTC provides 100 fully-equipped buses to transport students in the governorate or area specified by the Ministry of Education for the academic year 2007-2008 as a free-of-charge national and social service.• KPTC provides male or female supervisors for every bus. These supervisors are to be selected from retired teachers with excellent records, and will be accompanying students, with KPTC bearing the burden of salaries.

KPTC Chairman and Managing Director Abdullah Al-Mutawa said, “Today, we are engaging in a courageous attempt to eliminate traffic congestion. Faithfulness to our country can’t be proved by

words alone, and must be translated into deeds for the good service of the country.”Al-Mutawa expressed gratitude for the support of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah for this initiative which showed the well-being of the country and citizens was above all else.The KPTC chairman said this project – through a field survey conducted by the Ministry of Education on parents, students and teachers – would have positive impact on parents, their students and economy of the country.The project will save time and effort by parents who drive their children to and from schools, thus increasing per capita production to build a solid national economy and back the march of the state, in addition to encouraging students to respect time and reduce pollution.“The company has not turned a blind eye on our boys and girls to make their trips full of joy and surprises like creation of cartoon characters: K, P, T and C. These characters are being designed in specialized studios to match the Walt Disney characters. These characters will make the trips on the buses very entertaining,” said Al-Mutawa.KPTC Human Resources and Public Relations manager Salah Al-Rubah called on retired male and female teachers to participate in this mission for the best interest of Kuwait and its people. “This is an opportunity to prove they are capable of working and they are full of hope,” he said.


30% of 30% of Al-Razi Al-Razi

Hospital’s Hospital’s patients are patients are

youthyouth

Numbers and statisticsTo begin with, Al-Mukaimi said 8,000 cases were admitted to Al-Razi Hospital every month, and these cases varied from foot, leg and thigh fractures to others all around the body, with the exception of skull fractures that are referred to the Neurology Hospital and those of the ribcage that are transferred to the Chest Hospital. Of the admitted cases, 25% are traffic-related. He

added that statistics showed that of the 228 cases every

day, Kuwaitis represent 25%, with 30% of the

total being youth. Age groups

As for age groups, Al-Mukaimi said cases admitted to the hospital could not be limited to a single category because no one is

safe from accidents. He said, however,

that youth were more involved in accidents,

especially those aged 18-28.

Alerts and holidaysAsked about the occasions in which more accidents occurred, the doctor said this was generally during public holidays, adding that during these days, Al-Razi staff is on alert. He also noted that accidents increased during weekends - between Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning - and also in the summer afternoons and nights. He explained that at these times people started going out and places were often crowded. Also, Saturday morning is the beginning of the week and many

people are found speeding to work, overlooking many traffic regulations, which means more accidents occur and more cases are subsequently admitted to hospital.

CostsWhen asked about the financial cost per patient, Al-Mukaimi said that it was KD 66-80, and could sometimes be as high as KD 220 at intensive care units. He said, however, that the real loss was when a person lost a limb or was left paralyzed. He also noted the problems that arise within the family during extended treatment periods and other unexpected issues.

PhysiotherapyAl-Mukaimi said the physio-therapy department in Al-Razi Hospital follows up on cases once they are discharged. We hope to increase the capacity of this department to better ac-commodate the huge numbers of patients, he said. Moreover, he said there were only 300 beds in the hospital itself, and it is rare to find a vacant one.

Accidents and strange casesWhen asked to recount strange cases admitted to the hospital, he said that he came across many, especially when the cases were the result of traffic accidents. He noted that many people, with good intentions, tried to help injured people, but their lack of knowledge may cause side effects, besides the block of traffic flow. The doctor stressed that accidents that occurred within three seconds of the initial accident are almost always more dangerous because

Traffic Issue

We will not speak long about the tragedies that traffic accidents leave behind, nor about the shattered families and the loss to society, because only those who lack vision can overlook these. What we will talk about in this issue is the huge role being played by Kuwait’s Al-Razi Orthopedic Hospital in helping those injured in the “road war,” as described by Dr. Ali Al-Mukaimi, Head Orthopaedicp Al-Razi hospi-tal’s. Here are the details.


one car is speeding while the other is stationary. “One strange case is when an a person injured in a traffic accident was brought in by his friends, only to discover that his leg was severed and still in the damaged vehicle. We had to send an ambulance to retrieve it,” he said. Al-Mukaimi added that Kuwait had the strangest traffic injuries in the world, and in many cases foreign specialists were brought in to deal with them. Talking about accidents caused by the ATVs, or the “machines of death,” is endless, and in one case, we had a four-year-old boy called Omar who was himself driving an ATV. Such cases have increased in recent years, especially in spring breaks and other school holidays. Al-Mukaimi also said one motorcyclist was reported to have been flung as high as the lamp post before falling to the ground and breaking his bones. Some cases require 24 hours of continuous surgery.

ReactionsAs for reactions of the injured

and their families, Al-Mukaimi said they varied. Some are very patient while others go into shock, and this is where the hospital’s medical team comes in. The team helps the patient adapt to the new situation. In some cases we are insulted or even hit by grief-stricken family members, but this is rare.

Comfort and servicesThe hospital also offers medical services and other services to make sure that patients are as comfortable as possible, especially for children who enjoy an entertaining environment

Youth in hospital, while severed leg is in the car


and toys that help break their fear of doctors and medics. Psychological issues are dealt with by experts, whose role is to help the patients overcome this critical stage until they fully recover.

Holding on to hopeWhen asked about the most difficult moments that doctors and medical teams come across, Al-Mukaimi said that medics held on to every shred of hope, even if the chances were one to a million, and were hit hard when a patient is paralyzed and there is nothing they can do about it. One time, we handed a patient over to his parents and no part of his body was mobile except the head (Al-Mukaimi was very emotional when saying this, and his eyes were moist).

Traffic flowWhen we asked Al-Mukaimi about his opinion on traffic flow in Kuwait in general, he said without hesitation that it was bad. He noted that we had the best roads and the latest car

models, but we unfortunately had some drivers who did not respect the law and drove their cars in a provocative way as if challenging others. Just try to use your horn to warn someone on the road, and you will find them quickly trying to block you off, or even look at the way they behave on roundabouts where the right of way is for those coming from the left, he said. There are those who think they have the priority and think themselves better than others.

Final remarksTo conclude his remarks, Al-Mukaimi called on parents not to become the cause of their children’s misery, saying that there were forms of entertainment other than the deadly ATVs. There are safer and more useful ways to keep youth occupied, and they are the country’s future and must look out for their own safety just as the country looks out for it. One must learn a lesson from the daily accidents we see, he added.

Traffic Issue

We handed him over to his family with no

part mobile except his head

Before leaving Dr. Al-Mukaimi’s office, we asked him to take us around the hospital to talk to

some patients, and he kindly asked Dr. Ashraf to accompany us. While walking down the corridors of Al-Razi Hospital, we saw many cases that broke our hearts and several mothers crying over their children, and fathers with looks of grief in their eyes. Some patients were leaning on canes and others being carried on stretchers, while a few sat motionless on wheelchairs.We spoke to one of the injured people, Haj Lutfi Ahmad, who

Walking down Al-Razi’s corridors


told us about the accident he was involved in. “I was on my way to Kaifan to get lunch, and the driver I was with ran the red light, thinking that it was something normal to do. Suddenly we were hit hard by another car and I woke up to find myself at hospital and in this miserable state.”He added that not only had the driver run a red light, but neither had been wearing a seat belt, which would have reduced the injuries. I think that drivers are always primarily responsible for accidents, no matter what the circumstances, he said.Ahmad explained that, being an expatriate, he went through a lot, adding that he did not have a car and had to rely on others to take him around. Sometimes, he is in a car with a stranger and does not know how good his driving skills are.He ended his tragic story with an expression of thanks and appreciation to the police and medics that saved his life and took care of him at the site of the accident, as well as Al-Razi staff that provided him with all needs for his comfort.“Media must focus on traffic awareness and the dangers of running red traffic lights, and how they are the cause of health problems, to say the least,” he added.Al-Mururiya then met the patient’s 21-year-old son, Mohammad, whose eyes showed the grave pain he felt over his father’s condition. We asked him about his reaction when he first got the news. “I received a telephone call from Adailiya Police Station notifying me that my father had had an accident

and was taken by ambulance to Amiri Hospital. I did not believe my ears and I fainted. When I regained consc iousnes s , I rushed to the hospital to see my father, with fear running through me. When I reached the hospital I was told that he had been transferred to the Chest Hospital, and there I was told that he had again been taken to Al-Razi. Later I was told that this transfer of the patient from one hospital to another was to check vital functions and properly diagnose the condition by specialists. When I finally saw my father and the state he was in, I couldn’t stop myself from breaking down and crying.”Another patient Al-Mururiya spoke to was Naga Raju, a 36-year-old Indian living in Kuwait with his uncle and victim of a traffic accident that occurred on July 18. Raju was in the passenger seat of a mini bus whose driver he did not know at all. One of the tires suddenly burst and the bus overturned, throwing him out. He blacked out, and when he woke up he was told that he suffered multiple fractures in the neck and wrists. Raju said that there were many people who did not respect traffic laws in Kuwait, and that this was why there were so many accidents. He called on all readers to exercise caution, because there is nothing more precious than life itself.

There is much to say about the “death machine”


High temperatures, lack of

vehicle maintenance, not having a

fire extinguisher or an ineffective

one, leaving pressurized canisters

or cigarette lighters under the sun

are all elements that can lead to

an explosion and setting a car

on fire. This is why it is a traffic

safety requirement to have a fire

extinguisher installed in every

vehicle, and this is inspected when

a new car is licensed or an old one

is inspected for renewal.

In these few pages, we will go

through some procedures and notes that have

to be taken into account when purchasing a fire

extinguisher, as well as types suitable for different

vehicles, and how to use them should the need

arise.

Parts of the extinguisher

We must first become acquainted with the different

parts of the extinguisher, which comprises a metal

cylinder to hold the extinguishing substance

and a hose – which is not found in smaller

extinguishers – and a round metal bolt that holds

the operating handle in place and is responsible

for holding the extinguishing substance in. It also

comprises a fixed handle and a mobile operating

handle which is used to eject the substance,

alongside the pressure gauge that indicates the

extinguisher is good for use – this can be found in

all extinguishers except those containing carbon

dioxide, where validity is determined through

weight and maintenance.

Method of use

Fire extinguishers

Safety First

What do you know about them?

How are they used?

Are they necessary?

Each type of car requires an extinguisher of a certain weight


For the best results and

to minimize losses, an

extinguisher must be held

well from the handle,

the safety bolt is pulled

out, the hose is aimed at

the base of the flames,

and then the operating

handle is pushed down.

The ejected substance

must be sprayed along

the base of the fire, right

and left, while standing

in the direction of the

wind and maintaining

a distance of 2-3 meters. Before all of this, one

must remain calm and in control, and training on

the use of the extinguisher is also important.

Before use

One must periodically check the extinguisher

and make sure that it is full and ready for use.

One must also be aware of what types of fires the

extinguisher can be used to put out. Also, when

putting out fires in a closed place, one must be

careful to keep the exit route open and not allow

flames to block the escape path.

In the event of a fire,

the car must be stopped

immediately and the

engine is put off.

The battery must be

unplugged if possible,

while putting out the flames if the fire is small

and helping passengers out. After making sure

they are all safe and away from the fire, call 777.

Precautionary measures

A fire can be prevented by putting off engines

while fueling, not leaving cigarette lighters or

pressurized canisters in the car so as not to react

with the high temperatures, and not placing

batteries on the back seat or the trunk as they

can cause electrical charge when in contact with

metal objects. Also, one must not use the mobile

phone in fueling stations.


Caution

• Make sure your extinguisher is the right

weight for your car.

• Make sure the extinguisher is labeled with

the car's license plate number, purchase receipt

number and the name of the company from which

it was bought.

• The customer has the right to return the

extinguisher if it fails to meet the Fire Department's

standards.

Weight and type

There are different weights for fire extinguishers

depending on the type of vehicle:

• Five-passenger car (1 kg)

• Car for more than five passengers (2 kg)

• Bus for 9-17 passengers (2-3 kg)

• Bus for 18-24 passengers (3-4 kg)

• Bus for 25-55 passengers (two extinguishers of

4 kg each)

• Passenger coach for 55 passengers or more (two

extinguishers of 4-5 kg each)

• Truck with load not exceeding 2 tons (3 kg)

• Truck with 2-8 ton load (4 kg)

• Truck with 8-510 ton load (5 kg)

Did you know?

Dry-based power extinguishers come in

several sizes and are greatly effective against

fires caused by burning oil, petroleum, alcohol

and other highly flammable solvents such

as paint and grease. They contain sodium

bicarbonate, and a small percentage of

magnesium citrate and calcium phosphate

It is equipped with a carbon dioxide nozzle

and leaves behind residue.

Calmness leads to good results when putting out a fire




Safe driving requires that the driver have clear vision in all di-

rections and angles, including the rear view and side mirrors.

However, these mirrors do not suffice in some cases, especially

in relation to the driver’s “blind spot.” This so-called blind spot

causes many side collisions. Many attempts were made to solve

this problem, including the installation of concave mirrors direct-

ly on part of the side mirror, but this can also be useless if its size

is not just right or is not positioned correctly. Car manufacturers

got to the point where they were installing these concave attach-

ments on side mirrors to ensure they were the right size and at

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

Traffic Technology


the right location, but they caused confusion for

some drivers.

Lately, one of the most prestigious car manufac-

turers developed the Blind Spot Information Sys-

tem (BLIS) which warns the driver when there is

a vehicle in the blind spot. The system comprises

two cameras, one below each side mirror, and

they each take 80 shots per minute and compare

these shots to determine whether there is anoth-

er vehicle next to the car. In this case, an alarm

flashes on the console, warning the driver against

making a turn. This system operates in daylight

and at night and can detect all vehicles, including

motorcycles. This is yet another technological

revolution for safe driving.

- Special culture required for use of vehicles as means to express emotions, psychological circumstances- Failing to implement law encourages youth to commit violations- Kuwait constructed first traffic city for children in 1979 Any type of education depends on the time of initiation, its broad outlines and how it is implemented. How one is brought up plays an important role in activating the concept of education, and the educator has the ability to bring up a child in any way, and this takes the form of behavior acquired during the education process.Traffic education is part of the acquired behavior that children are brought up to understand. Here we will present you with the findings of a study submitted to the Higher Traffic Council’s first research contest on the role of traffic education in bringing up children. The study was conducted by Engineer Khalid bin Mohammad Hilal, head of the industrial engineering violations department at Khafji Operations Center.To begin with, the researcher noted that

Kuwait established the first comprehensive traffic city for children in 1979, located at Jamal Abdul-Nasser Park. This was considered the first school for children that allowed them to acquire suitable traffic behavior and understand traffic regulations, how to cross the road, rights of pedestrians, and other related issues.The researcher said that most state in the USA taught traffic safety and proper driving as a high school requirement.The study is an attempt to shed light on the importance of traffic education for Arab children in general and GCC children in particular. Avoiding accidentsThe research paper noted that there were four main factors contributing to accidents: operating failure (driver), vehicle failure (sudden breakdown), bad weather, and the accumulative passage of time leading to the overlap of these factors. It explained that traffic accidents could be the result of the overlap of two or more of the above mentioned factors. The larger the overlap, the greater the severity of the accident,

Traffic Study

Traffic upbringing curbs road war


and if accidents cannot be prevented, then their frequency can at least be reduced, thereby limiting losses. This can be achieved through compromise on the part of one or all sides, while bearing in mind the stability of other factors such as road conditions, good vehicle maintenance, and driving efficiency.The paper shows that defensive driving is the first line of defense when preventing traffic accidents, adding that it leads to mental and physical readiness to react to any unexpected occurrence on the road. Danger is nearIf a driver senses danger from another driver, he has to slow down at once and flash the headlight or honk the horn, while heading to the right lane until the other driver is alerted. The researcher stressed that the driver must not be harassed on the road as this could be fatal, adding that the driver had to be in a full state of mental and physical alertness to face any danger, especially on longer journeys. He stressed the need to stop when feeling tired to rejuvenate, and that care had to be taken when on medication that could cause drowsiness.He explained that there were other types of collisions, including running pedestrians, ramming into stationary objects, and colliding into objects while backing out. Lack of traffic awareness and failing to implement the law have led to traffic problems and a new culture is needed in the Arab world and the Gulf region, and that is the culture of vehicle use. The paper noted that driving was used as a means to express emotions and reflected the psychological status of its driver.

He also noted that preventing accidents was in predicting danger, knowing the mechanics of proper defense, reacting in time, and being cautious. CollisionsThe researcher also discussed how to keep distance from the car in front to prevent head-on collisions, avoiding collisions at intersections, and those resulting from overtaking other vehicles. He said ambiguous accidents accounted for one third of all deadly accidents annually, where a vehicle collides with an object on the side of the road. It is referred to as ambiguous because the drivers die in most cases, and those that stay alive hardly ever admit to their faults. The paper called for caution at road curves and reducing speed when coming up to them, as well as watching out for road signs. It noted that rain, storms, mist, and darkness were dangers that drivers faced. These can be avoided through precautionary driving, he said, adding that a vehicle’s deteriorating condition can be the major factor in an ambiguous accident.Solutions The researcher concluded his study with several recommendations:• Raising awareness among youth on traffic regulations, while convincing ?in their own language ?of the importance of law abidance • Benefiting from GCC media organizations in creating cartoon characters that adhered to law, and specifically traffic regulations • Reviewing traffic laws and including penalties in the form of social services such as working in an ambulance or nursing • Toughening punishments for serious violations such as driving under the influence of drugs


During the convention, four main committees were formed:

1- Committee for traffic road regulations

2 - Committee for traffic signs

3 - Committee for technical aspects related to vehicles on

the road

4 - Committee for issues related to the convention

Unifying signs

There are two road sign systems, one is European and the

other is American. Most systems used around the world are

based on these two because the cost of changing them would

be too great and could negatively impact road safety.

The goal that was agreed upon was the need to unify road

signs and for them to be used extensively on roads while

adding the local language to them for further clarification.

Thus, one can say that the aim is to unifying the road

sign system, at least at the regional level. Traffic lights are

also an important method for regulating traffic flow and

pedestrian movement, especially at crossings and squares

where traffic is greater and where the need arises for traffic

regulation to prevent accidents.

Important regulation methods

Traffic road signs are considered import methods for traffic

regulation and are used to warn road users of dangers ahead.

They are placed at a certain distance before the source of

danger and are fashioned in such a way that they can be

clearly seen both day and night while taking into account

the circumstances of the road and general traffic flow. There

are signs that indicate road priority at crossings or narrow

roads, which sometimes tell a driver to stop and check for

upcoming cars before moving on. Moreover, some signs

warn against certain actions and are placed a sufficient

distance from the locations they indicate, while others are

used for guidance and information which give the driver

useful data.

All of the aforementioned signs

must be placed in such a way that

Construction and traffic signs

Legal HighlightsThe Convention on Road Traffic, held in Vienna in 1964, is considered one of the most importance conferences held in the past century, and was attended by representatives from 67 UN members, five non-UN member states, three specialized agencies, and seven international organizations, including the Arab League. There were also 17 representatives from organizations that specialized in traffic and roads.


they do not obstruct traffic flow and are clearly visible from a distance. They must also

be lighted at night without glaring.

Because of the importance of road and traffic signs, the traffic law placed certain

penalties for those who tamper with them, and they are as follows:

Accusation

Traffic Court

Settlement PointsPrison term not

exceedingFine not exceeding

Damaging traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Damaging traffic lights KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Tampering with appearance of traffic signs

KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Altering location of traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Altering direction of traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25

Placing stickers on traffic signs KD 15 1 15 days KD 25


Television drama is considered one of the most attractive media forms for viewers, with people of all ages following the unfolding events of the episodes. The nature of these drama episodes also allow us to identify with characters that are very much like ourselves and act in a similar manner to daily incidents. This is why drama can be one of the most effective media forms when it comes to making an impact on public opinion and changing people’s ideas and views!

The question we must ask here is what does drama have to do with traffic issues?! To answer this question we can say that media messages, in general, can be divided into two types: direct and clear messages, and indirect ones that are not so clear. When a talk show discusses the dangers of drugs and their negative effect on youth, the media message is direct and clear, while an example of an indirect message is when we see a successful character in a play or television drama fall prey for drugs by befriending a bad crowd. In the second case, we are watching a story unfold and each viewer analyses the events, and the indirect message here is to stay away from bad people.

Now, let us return to the title of this article. We can say that local television drama can effectively contribute to solving traffic issues through sending out indirect media messages, whereby viewers watching an episode receive hidden traffic messages that affect their subconscious.

For instance, actors can be wearing seatbelts in scenes where they are in a vehicle. The star of the show can put on the seatbelt as soon as he gets in the car although this action has nothing to do with the scenario, making it look like a natural action. This is what we mean by indirect messages. If the aforementioned scene is repeated in Kuwaiti and Gulf television drams, this will reprogram the subconscious of the audience, and they will be positively affected by this message.

The same can be said about speeding, which should be within limits in all scenes, with the exception of those that require certain dramatic effects. The Interior Ministry can cooperate with scenario writers and directors on such issues, thereby utilizing television dramas in the traffic awareness campaign. This will guarantee that the message is sent out to as many people as possible in away that is much more effective than direct programs that rely on preaching and giving guidance, a method that many people do not accept.

By Dr. Khalid Al-GihsDepartment of Information – Kuwait University

28

Op-edDrama can help remedy traffic problems


Documents

Interior Undersecretary and Chairman of the Higher · even hit by grief-stricken family members, but this is rare. Comfort and services The hospital also offers medical services and