Saudi Gazette More information and shocking data have been revealed on the second day of the Traffic Safety Forum held in Dammam for residents of the Kingdom. Eng. Abdul Rahman Al-Wahib, an employee of Saudi Aramco reported, “Every 80 minutes someone dies on the streets of the Kingdom as a result of motor accidents. The Eastern Province ranks second in terms of high traffic accidents in the Kingdom followed by Makkah. The Eastern Province's share of traffic accidents make up 23 percent of all accidents in the Kingdom which amounts to the less of SR three billion.” He also stated that this alarmingly high rate of traffic accidents in the Kingdom is caused by multiple reasons. Poor condition of roads, inadequate signs and warning signals, unawareness of driving education, reckless driving and of course violation of traffic rules and laws are all major factors in the Kingdom's appalling road safety statistics. “Some roads are in an absolutely unacceptable state, with large cracks and pits, and are in dire need of repair, maintenance, and regular inspection. The exit and entry ramps at major freeways must be shown clearly with sign boards showing speed limits as these junctures are common sites for traffic accidents,” said Al-Wahib. The Governor of the Eastern Province, Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, strongly criticized those people, who are attacking Saher employees, vandalizing their screening equipments and cameras. Prince Muhammad Bin Fahd defined those who are perpetrating acts of violence against Saher employees as criminals. “These people are criminals, they do not represent the average Saudi citizen, and they are a small minority. Government officials will do everything in their power to bring these people to justice, stop these crimes, and prevent any future assaults. Saher system has played a great role in curbing traffic accidents and protecting people. The society must not pay back individuals who are serving their country with such acts of violence,” he firmly observed at the forum. The Director General of Traffic Administration in the Kingdom, Maj. Gen. Sulaiman Al-Ajlan announced that plans to increase manpower and traffic police on the streets are already underway to ensure road safety for drivers, passengers and residents. __
