Why traffic gets worse

The quality of driving in Jordan has declined over the recent years.

Jumping traffic lines, cars coming from all directions to cross a traffic light, young children sitting in the lap of the front passenger have become common sites, not to mention seat belts, the garbage thrown from cars and the fact that public transport drivers need better training.

Why is this the case?

I believe it is not just an issue of budget constraint, it is more a case of failure of those concerned to implement a positive traffic culture.

Driving schools fail to educate, the licensing department fails to verify consistently and implementing departments fail to implement.

Generally speaking, traffic-related authorities are busy collecting funds, while their primary role is to set an example, to educate the citizen when interacting and to implement the laws (besides issuing traffic tickets), but they do not perform that role.

Hence the poor quality of driving in the country and a staggering number of road accidents and deaths every year.

More positive and consistent behaviour from all departments related to traffic is needed. Nothing more, nothing less. 

Wajih Murad,
Amman