Last week Abdullah Abou-Alsamh wrote an article about the traffic situation. His observations were straight-forward and clearly spelled out. I believe that the traffic department could benefit from them, if only those in charge would care to listen to one whom they are supposed to serve.

I too have some suggestions, which when taken into consideration, might be helpful. I have recently had an encounter of my own involving the traffic police. I believe it is important that the supervisors of the officers on patrol be informed of the true situation the public is facing out in our streets.

First of all, let me state that an independent, anonymous survey should be carried out to discover what people think of the traffic department and its personnel. After all, these men are civil servants. It would be good to know exactly how their service is perceived.

Once the results of the survey are in, the senior officers in the traffic department should be called before the Shoura Council and those survey results, favorable or unfavorable, should be presented. There should be time for the learned members of the Shoura to add their comments to those of the general population. The officers should then adjourn for a month and return again with a comprehensive plan outlining how both public safety and the overall level of satisfaction with the traffic police are to be improved. Perhaps a focus group of citizens and expatriates could be organized to offer suggestions to the police in this regard.

I am certain that one of the recommendations of the focus group will be to implement mandatory training to assist the traffic police in remembering how to deal in a polite, respectful manner with the drivers they meet on our nation’s roads. Without a doubt, numerous psychologists, social workers, public relations specialists, marketing managers and others will be delighted to step forward and volunteer to brief the traffic officers on the latest behavioral techniques to use in their endeavor to serve the public effectively.

The simple fact is that there is a desperate need to improve the level of confidence between the traffic department and the public. It is important for both parties to know the rules and regulations, including the appropriate interpretation of traffic offenses plus the correct policies and procedures in regards to insurance matters. Perhaps a small handbook could be printed in which terms such as “speeding,” “stopping” and “parking” were clearly defined. If each traffic officer and each driver in the Kingdom received a copy of this publication and actually read it, we would all be on the same page for a change in regards to road safety. This simple measure could reduce the tons of paper used by the traffic police annually and the number of drivers held at police stations.

There also should be an immediate campaign launched with the focus on reducing road accidents, rather than simply finding ways to increase the number of tickets issued. During the campaign, drivers running red lights, holding infants in their laps or making a left turn from the far right lane could be targeted for special attention and education from the traffic police. Mind you, officers might actually be forced to leave their vehicles to hand out tickets to such offenders but perhaps a program of calisthenics could be introduced to help the traffic police limber up before engaging in such arduous duty.

I know that improvement in the traffic situation will not happen overnight, but if we all work together we might actually reduce the carnage on our streets. Most assuredly, the current method, which employs traffic police camping out in their vehicles and issuing random tickets, is clearly lacking.

For example, not long ago, I was stopped by the traffic police and accused of “speeding.” The officer took my license and registration and directed me to a police car where two other officers were filling out forms in the comfort of their air-conditioned vehicle. “What did the old man do?” asked one. “He was speeding at 140,” came the answer. Well, I could not believe my ears. “That’s impossible!” I interjected. I should have saved my breath. None of the officers cared to listen to reason. In fact, they didn’t even acknowledge my existence.

As I was handed my ticket, I pointed out that a few kilometers behind, at the intersection of Al-Malik Road and the start of Tahlia Street, cars were openly jumping red lights. “That is none of your business,” was the terse reply.

Nevertheless, I continued, “Also, check intersection of Madinah Road and Sary Street where an average of 10 cars go through a red traffic signal at every change of the light.” “That’s our business,” the officer said without looking up.

I did not want to push my luck further and meekly took the traffic violation ticket. As I left, I passed a fellow who was sitting in his Mercedes. It seemed that he too was charged with speeding. “What are you waiting for?” I asked. “For them to come and speak to me,” he replied. “Then, you will wait forever,” I said. “Do please go and see what traffic rule you have violated,” I added and left him. I started driving away and my last glance back saw him still sitting in his Mercedes listening to a Nancy Ajram song!!

I forced myself to drive slowly but my blood was boiling. I had never been charged with a traffic violation anywhere in the world. My record was broken. But what could I do? The officer claimed that I was driving at 140 km. I knew that I couldn’t have been doing more than 100. It didn’t matter. I didn’t have any rights as far as the traffic police were concerned. I was just a part of the daily quota like everyone else.

And so my common sense prevailed. I restrained my temper and continued on my way. It was just as well. I didn’t want to push my luck too far. I had worn a new thobe and was going to the office and then dinner. It was 9:10 p.m. My cell phone was not working and my friends and relatives were out of town. Better to accept the ticket and make my escape, otherwise... We all have heard stories about the alternate scenario!