Dense fog engulfs Abha areas, early Saturday halting traffic flow on main thoroughfares. — Okaz photo Okaz/Saudi Gazette ONAIZAH – Every year, scores of lives are lost in traffic accidents just a few minutes before the Iftar time in Ramadan due to reckless drivers trying to get home for breaking the fast. Despite various efforts and campaigns, there is a lack of awareness, said Bandar Al-Badi, a Red Crescent paramedic in Onaizah. “It is not only recklessness, but also lack of social awareness,” he said. “Reckless driving causes harm to the driver and other users of the road. I have seen scores of lives lost because of such irresponsible behavior.” Although authorities launch awareness campaigns, some people are impulsively dangerous drivers and they should face heavier penalties, Al-Badi added. “The traffic department should be stricter with violators,” he said. “We have seen many terrible traffic accidents taking place just before the Iftar time.” Horrific effects Abu Saleh, a citizen, said one young driver's irresponsible action took a terrible toll. “My family had a terrible accident on our way back home before the Maghrib prayer because a young, reckless driver ran a red light and smashed into my son's car, causing severe fractures to my son and other passengers,” he said. “An innocent pedestrian was severely hurt and rushed to the hospital and now lies in a coma.” Young drivers' recklessness Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Siddiq, a psychology professor at a teacher's college, called on parents to take a greater role in teaching their children to be responsible. “Young drivers today drive recklessly,” he said, “A lot of youngsters spend their free time driving recklessly on roads. Due to the large gap between today's youngsters and their parents, the latter do not pay much attention to their children who play dangerous games with cars and bikes. Parents should teach their children to use their time productively and avoid recklessness while driving.” A source at the Onaizah Traffic Department said authorities there have initiated active measures to address the problem. “Our department imposes severe penalties on reckless drivers,” he said. “We have intensified our patrols on congested roads, streets, intersections and public squares.” __
