New traffic amendments garner public praise

AMMAN — The recent increases in penalties for traffic violations have sparked a considerable public reaction, with many Jordanians praising the move for its potential to deter dangerous driving habits.

Recently, the Cabinet approved draft amendments to the Traffic Law for 2023. Many amendments included increased fines for traffic violations such as running a red light, exceeding the speed limit over 50 km/h, smoking while driving a public vehicle and taking part in celebratory vehicle processions.

According to the Higher Population Council, car accidents are among the leading causes of deaths in Jordan.

In 2022, Jordan witnessed around 170,000 road accidents, resulting in 562 deaths. In 2021, about 160,000 road accidents claimed 589 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Interior.

Speaking with The Jordan Times, Hala Said, a driving instructor, said that “laying down strict penalties will be beneficial to curb traffic accidents and have more safe roads, but it will not bring absolute road safety”.

With the increasing numbers of accidents and fatalities, particularly those attributed to mobile phone use, increased fines have become more important, she noted.

According to the new amendments, penalties for using a mobile phone while driving have increased from JD15 to JD50.

“Many people assume they are good drivers and have things under control all the time, but they must not forget that a catastrophe could happen in a blink of an eye,” Said added.

Commenting on the new amendments, sociologist Hussein Khozahe said that “it is important to create a societal culture that has total respect for traffic regulations”.

Jameel Manaseer, a citizen, hopes such measures would serve as a deterrent for “reckless” drivers, adding that increasingly, “we are starting to hear about horrifying car crashes and accidents on the news.”

“It is time to have strict regulations,” Manaseer said.