JEDDAH, 7 February 2006 — Drivers steering with one hand while holding a cell phone in the other is a common scene in Saudi Arabia. Although neighboring countries have instituted laws banning the practice, it is still legal to chat and drive in the Kingdom.
According to a senior Traffic Department official, talking on the phone while driving is a major reason for accidents that happen all over the country.
“It was proved in studies abroad that the concentration of a driver who is talking on the cell phone is in the same level as a drunk driver,” Gen. Mushabbab Al-Sharani, assistant director of the Traffic Department, told Arab News in an interview.
Some drivers seem to be aware of the danger. “I consider using the cell phone during driving a risk,” said Abu Ahmed, 51.
He said that drivers should be aware of the danger caused by using a cell phone while driving. “There should be self discipline even if it is not officially banned. I only use cell phones when I’m driving in short necessary conversations.”
Al-Sharani said there are government awareness campaigns taking place. “However, there is not yet a law that bans it,” he added.
Some people think that more serious efforts should be enacted, such as fines, since they are the only way to prevent people from quitting this habit. “People did not apply the rule of seat belt until they were fined in case of violations,” said Abu Ammar, a science teacher in Jeddah.
Using earpieces to talk is not a solution either, said Salman Ahmed, 46.
“It is not the act of holding the cell phone in one hand and the steering wheel in the other that is distracting,” said Ahmed. “Having the mind confused between concentrating on the conversation and watching the street is the danger.”
“My car almost crashed with another whose driver seemed out of focus,” said Fahd Abdul Salam, 32. “When I looked at the driver I saw a young man who appeared to be having a romantic conversation while driving.”
The Kingdom’s traffic laws in general are more lenient compared to other Gulf states.
“A month ago, we heard that Qatar has set a fine for parents who seat their children under 12 in the front seat next to the driver,” said Mariam, a middle-aged housewife.
“I wish similar laws were applied in our country in order to protect our youth and children from accidents for avoidable causes,” said Mariam.
The Shoura Council is studying the issue of setting a traffic law that bans driving while talking on the cell phone. “Fines will be applied on everyone who breaks this law after it is officially implemented,” Al-Sharani said.
