DESPITE traffic regulations and signals in right places, directional and speed limit signs, the presence of traffic police and a modern traffic system, a car is still a very lethal machine in the Kingdom. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that the Kingdom has the highest rate of road accidents with nearly 49 deaths for 100,000 drivers. All traffic violations statistics in the Kingdom support the report's findings. In Riyadh alone, over 3 million traffic violations were recorded in 2012. All of these statistics are clear evidence that we need to be educated on how to properly drive a vehicle. Why are our streets painted with the blood of our youth? What does it mean to drive a car? Are we still in need of awareness regarding this issue? These are questions that can provide some insight into the problem. The individual's behavior “Traffic systems have not been successful in improving drivers' road behavior,” said Ali Bin Mohammad Abu Hikma, a clinical psychiatrist, in reference to Saher. Abu Hikma also said drivers are essentially people with healthy bodies and minds, and systems like Saher are machines that do not speak to people's minds. “In order to encourage cooperation among drivers, we need systems that enforce the ethics and values of Saudi society. People are controlled by their ethics and value systems. Therefore, when our regulations conform to our ethics and values, each individual will consult his mind before committing to a particular behavior,” he added. Abu Hikma proposed that changes should start from driving schools, and annual awareness campaigns should be held in schools, mosques and on social media platforms to encourage positive road behavior. Analytical study Researcher Ibrahim Qutub was assigned to carry out an analytical study on the Kingdom's road accident problem. Qutub discovered that a considerable number of violation cases involved a great deal of misunderstanding and a lack of awareness on the part of drivers. “There needs to be a designated commission that can spell out the rights and responsibilities of individuals on the road. A good strategy is to involve the citizen in the policy making procedure so people feel that these regulations are issued by themselves to ensure their safety,” he said. Lack of awareness Fahd Alriya'i, an educationalist, said the biggest issue with traffic violations is the fact that the system selectively applies punishments. He also stressed on the importance of awareness campaigns as many violators are too young to understand the dangers their actions pose to other road users. “In order for awareness to be effective, it must involve all parties in society. Awareness must occur in an educational and religious setting, otherwise our attempts will be futile,” he said. Saher traffic system The Saher traffic monitoring system, which uses a combination of cameras and radars to levy fines against drivers who speed and run red lights, has not been popular with drivers ever since it was introduced on the Kingdom's roads in 2010. Many drivers have even taken the extreme and otherwise illegal measures of breaking the cameras and even attacking Saher personnel. Abdulaziz Alsheiban said Saher has also succeeded in dividing people into two camps. “I propose the question: What is the purpose of Saher? Is it for profit or safety? The matter needs to be further investigated so we can determine how effective this system really is. In the end, all of these regulations were put by man to regulate our ethics and values with support from the government. Those who are against the system mostly oppose the fact that it is owned by the private sector,” he said. Echoing Alsheiban's words, Nawaf Alasmary said Saher is only concerned with monetary fines. “That is why it failed to achieve the real purpose of its implementation. There should be a reward system accompanying this punishing system so people don't feel like they are being unfairly targeted,” he said.
