Page 443 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (IV)_Neat

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It is still impossible to pin-point accident “Black Spots” : of the four fatal accidents one
occurred on the Budaiya Road, Manama, in the early hours of the morning ; one at Farceq
Makharaga, Manama ; one at Sayool village, Muharraq ; and one on the Awal Road,
Manama, during the hours of darkness. In the last case a collision occurred between a lorry,
and a motor-cycle carrying a pillion passenger. Police were unable to prove who was driving
the lorry at the time as it was being used by some unauthorized person who left the scene of the
accident immediately afterwards. Of the other three cases the drivers were taken to Court ;
two were found not to blame, one case is still pending.

Of a total of 159 motor cycles, eight were involved in accidents, including one fatal.

Pedal cyclists are steadily increasing. At present there are 4,690 cycles registered at the
Traffic Office, an increase of 1,036 over the previous year. Eight of these were involved in
accidents. Public service vehicles again accounted for 38 per cent, of the total number of
accidents : buses 24, taxi-cabs 18 ; while they represent just over 10 per cent, of the vehicles
registered. Of the 101 Government owned vehicles, 13 were concerned in accidents.

An interesting comparison is that of 1363 (1944) with 395 vehicles registered, 16 persons
killed and nine seriously injured as a result of road accidents. The following year with 612
vehicles on the roads, 15 fatal accidents occurred and 14 persons were seriously injured.

Footways have been constructed along most of the main roads in Manama but are not being
fully utilized by pedestrians, especially during the hours of darkness.

In most cases accidents appear to result from excessive speed or carelessness on the part of
either the driver or pedestrian. While it is impossible to eliminate completely road accidents,
much can be done by the use of courtesy and common sense by both driver and pedestrian.

Traffic Offences.—As a result of accidents, 47 cases were taken to the Courts and convic­
tions obtained in 43 cases. The amount of fines for traffic offences amounted to Rs. 2,575/-.
This is far below the previous year but is accounted for by the fact that, in two cases of fatal
accidents during 1370, the Bahrain Court imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000/- each. There was also a
drop in the number of traffic offences prosecuted by Police as compared with the previous year.
This was mainly due to the shortage of office staff and the absence of two of the Arab Sub/
Inspectors from Bahrain for several months during the year. Three offenders were sentenced
to terms of imprisonment for traffic offences.

Public Service Vehicles.—Taxi Cabs : There is still a steady increase in the number of taxi­
cabs being registered although the cab stands are overcrowded. Fortunately 24 cabs were
changed to private cars during the year, leaving a total of 159.
At present there are 334 licensed cab drivers.
Taxi Buses : The number of taxi-buses is slightly less than the previous year but still quite
sufficient to meet public demand without overcrowding. In spite of this, drivers are being
continually prosecuted for carrying excess passengers.

A new bus stand was constructed at Muharraq during the year which relieved much of the
congestion and no doubt prevented some accidents.

All public service vehicles are subject to a half-yearly examination.
Driving Tests.—1,222 driving tests were carried out during the year; of these 412 were
successful. The total number of driving licences issued was 1,103.

Non-Traffic Offences.—The Traffic Department dealt with 16 non-traffic offences—includ­
ing two cases of unauthorised possession of intoxicating liquor—drunkenness, assault, cheating
and disorderly conduct ; the total fines amounted to 7,050 Rs.

Eleven persons received prison sentences and one person was deported.