‘350 vehicles towed from capital’s streets during storm’

AMMAN — The Central Traffic Department on Saturday said it towed over 350 vehicles that blocked traffic on the capital’s streets during the snowstorm.

During 48 hours, the department’s machinery removed 354 vehicles that were either stuck in the storm or blocking roads, said Maj. Jalal Rahahleh, director of the public relations department at the Central Traffic Department.

“Over 90 per cent of these vehicles broke down or were not equipped to drive in this tough weather,” Rahahleh told The Jordan Times. 

The traffic official said many motorists took their families for rides in the snow “although we warned people repeatedly not to leave their homes unless there was an emergency”.

“We urge the public to adhere to warning announcements by officials especially those related to icy roads which make it extremely difficult and dangerous to drive,” Rahahleh added.

Meanwhile, Traffic Investigation Department Director Lt. Col. Basem Kharabsheh said one person died in a road accident in Zarqa during the snowstorm.

“The number of traffic accidents during Thursday and Friday was less than the average daily of around 250 accidents,” Kharabsheh told The Jordan Times.

He added that although many people ventured out and ignored the authorities’ warnings, “the number of traffic accidents decreased during these two days because most people stayed at home and Friday is a holiday so usually the number of traffic accidents decreases on that day.”

Last month, and despite repeated calls by authorities for motorists to stay at home, three people were killed and 541 road accidents occurred in the capital during the snowstorm.

“We will continue with our policy of seizing vehicle and driver’s licences if motorists do not adhere to our instructions and stay off the roads when we ask them to,” Kharabsheh stressed.