Traffic violators in Bahrain have dramatically increased as more than 11,500 motorists were stopped for breaking the law within a week.

The majority of offenders were caught for not wearing seatbelts with police issuing 1,672 tickets between May 17 and 23, which had spiked to more than 2,000 violations compared to previous statistics.

Other violations included 914 for using mobile phones while driving and those speeding and racing on public roads totalled 895 with 567 drivers jumping red lights.

The latest figures were alarming and could have caused serious accidents as the lives of people were put at risk, said General Directorate of Traffic traffic culture director Major Moosa Al Dossary.

"We have registered around 11,723 violations in seven days, which sends a warning sign for everybody," said Maj Al Dossary.

"More than 1,600 tickets were given to offenders who did not wear a seatbelt while driving, while 914 were registered for using mobile phone behind the wheel.

"Traffic police have reported these offences through traffic patrols, traffic regulation campaigns and special devices used to register high speed and jumping red lights."

Other offences included illegal overtaking with 418 tickets given out, 121 for driving on the wrong side of the road and 71 people were stopped for allowing children under the age of 10 to sit in the front seat. Another 7,632 tickets were distributed for minor violations, said an Interior Ministry official.

The figures indicate an increase of more than 2,500 violations in comparison with previous statistics which were compiled last month and recorded 9,508 offences.

"We are saddened by this increase in the number of violations, which leads to sever accidents," added Maj Al Dossary.

"Public safety is our aim, so we will not be easy with anyone breaking the law and endangering other people's lives. We will keep on working on raising awareness among the public through our extensive campaigns against reckless driving." – TradeArabia News Service