ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Traffic police in the autonomous Kurdistan Region recently recognized more than ten local drivers for their outstanding driving record, noting the recipients had committed no violations over the past two decades.
The move aims to acknowledge their compliance with traffic instructions in the region, Rashid Ali, a police officer from the Pishdar district in the province of Sulaimani, told Kurdistan 24 on Monday. It is also to encourage others to follow their example.
“We believe that penalizing drivers for their traffic violations is not enough to have them be committed to the rules and regulations. So we will also honor and recognize those who have committed no violations over the past 20 years,” Ali explained.
“We hope this will encourage others, especially youths, to follow the rules and instructions of the traffic police, which are in place to protect lives.”
Over the past few years, police have installed cameras across cities and towns in the Kurdistan Region to catch drivers who are speeding and driving recklessly. The cameras force drivers to slow down as authorities attempt to reduce the number of traffic accidents.
Mahmoud Rasul is one of the drivers who has been recognized for a clean driving record of 36 years.
“I choose less traveled roads to safely reach my destinations and return home alive,” Rasul told Kurdistan 24 while standing next to his white Toyota Hilux.