By Ahmad Boukaheel
KUWAIT: The beginning of 2025 took a tragic toll on Kuwait’s roads, as 18 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in February. According to the Ministry of Interior, all incidents were classified as “non-criminal,” meaning they were not the result of intentional acts, but rather of negligence, reckless driving, and a lack of traffic awareness.
Traffic Department statistics obtained by Kuwait Times show that among the victims, over half were non-Kuwaitis. People who had come to the country for a better future saw their lives cut short instantly. Their only fault was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Alarmingly, most of these incidents were not vehicle-on-vehicle collisions but run-overs. Ordinary people walking along the streets were suddenly struck by speeding cars, often driven by inattentive or distracted drivers — many of whom were reportedly using their mobile phones at the time.
But the tragedy goes far beyond the numbers. Behind every statistic is a human story, families shattered, communities mourning, and a life that has forever changed.
Little, a 44-year-old Filipino worker, shared the pain of losing a close friend in a run-over incident as he was heading to work at a shopping mall.
“The atmosphere in our residence turned into deep sorrow,” he recalled. “It felt as if the entire building had lost its soul. His family sent him to work for a better future, not to return to them in a coffin.”
Sheela, a 40-year-old Filipina who has lived in Kuwait for over two decades, was also devastated by the death of her friend in Salmiya, who was hit by a reckless driver speeding through the area. Since then, she has refused to drive, relying only on buses and taxis.
“I don’t want to die this way. I just want to return to my family safely,” she said.
As for Rashid, a 40-year-old Indian national, witnessing a horrific hit-and-run while on his way home gave him a shock. He told Kuwait Times: “That bloody scene never left my memory. It completely changed the way I think.” He added that since that day, he never crossed the street except at designated crossings. Being careful is no longer a choice, it’s a duty.
Meanwhile, Iqbal, who has worked in Kuwait’s oil sector for more than 25 years, said the problem lies in a growing disregard for basic driving ethics. “Too many drivers are on their phones or wearing earphones, completely detached from the road,” he said. “Driving is a responsibility, not a time for chatting. People’s lives are at stake.”
These stories, and the big death toll, underscore the urgent need for decisive and sustained action from relevant authorities — action that must go beyond reactive measures or short-term campaigns.
Expats and citizens called for comprehensive awareness initiatives that reach schools, shopping malls, and social media platforms, using direct messaging that resonates with everyday drivers.
There are also growing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, particularly those related to speeding and mobile phone use while driving, although many praised recent efforts to incorporate smart technologies into traffic enforcement.
In addition, enhancing traffic infrastructure remains a top priority. Safe pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, and clear signage are all essential to creating safer urban environments.
