sTriKe oNe!

Driving in Saudi Arabia for over three years now have made me very cautious, alert, and very attentive while on the road. With my untarnished record of zero accident within this time frame, suddenly it was tainted yesterday, when I slammed into the rear of a native resident – a students’ car. Though, the damage on my car was minor still it was an accident that should have been avoided if road courtesy, road safety rules and regulations have been followed.

Although, road network in Saudi Arabia has the highest standard, with eight lanes for inter-city highway and construction of ring roads and over- or under-passes, still car accident is one of the top 5 causes of death in the Kingdom. In Riyadh alone, at least 5 accidents occur every hour. Traffic accidents are a significant hazard in Saudi Arabia. Driving habits are generally poor, and accidents involving vehicles driven by minors are not uncommon. Other causes are over speeding and inattentiveness.

Quick facts: In the event of a traffic accident resulting in personal injury, all persons involved (if not in the hospital) may be taken to the local police station. Drivers are likely to be held for several days until responsibility is determined and any reparations paid. In many cases, all drivers involved in the accident are held in custody regardless of fault. Those involved in an accident should immediately contact their sponsor and their nearest Embassy and Consulate. Under Islamic law, blood money of up to SR 100,000 can be imposed for injuries, so it is important to take out insurance to cover this. Speed detection devices are in use in the country, and there are standard fines for exceeding the speed limits of 45kph in urban areas and 80 to 120kph on motorways. There are automatic jail sentences, or corporal punishment, for some driving offences.