JEDDAH: The Saudi Automobile Association launched Thursday an awareness course to instruct some 20,000 drivers of pilgrim buses in safety regulations and handling of passengers. According to Marwan Zubaidi of the association, various authorities are involved in the running of the course, including the ministries of Haj and Health, traffic departments and the Civil Defense. “We want to raise awareness of the importance of safety considerations when transporting pilgrims, and the course will focus on rules and regulations as well as civilized behavior in the treatment of pilgrims,” Zubaidi said. “Our motto for bus drivers is ‘Skill, Ethics, Order'.” Many drivers will be reached through the distribution of thousands of information leaflets and guide booklets at places of work, residential areas and restaurants, while course attendees will be instructed in the principal causes of accidents and how to avoid them, emergency procedures in the event of an accident, driving safety regulations, and the “Saher” speed camera system. “Drivers will also be provided with information on the dangers of drugs and poisons, including their influence on performance and in causing accidents,” Zubaidi said.
