Why do so many people seek such easy and clever ways to dodge the Kingdom’s electronic traffic monitoring system? Why don’t we ask ourselves how we should deal with Saher?

The Saher system has become a reality and we should, therefore, look at it positively. We should deal with it properly and make it a part of our life and driving culture. It is quite natural for someone whose vehicle has been flashed to feel disturbed.

Most people blast the Saher system as if it is inadequate. They are also impatient and get annoyed with it. A small number of people blame themselves for breaking speed limits even though they are not satisfied with its relevance on one street or another.

Some people attempt to evade Saher by concealing their number plates or playing tricks, while others know the precise locations where Saher cameras or vehicles equipped with Saher cameras are stationed. They slow down when approaching such locations and speed after passing them. Others use programs on their mobiles, which detect signals on approaching a Saher device.

Some road users ignore Saher and resort to reckless driving while others employ novel ways to evade it. On the other hand, some people stress the need for an awareness campaign about the Saher system and how it works. However, I am of the view that the public knows of the system very well. They are also fully aware that speeding is a dangerous phenomenon, and that people who break speed limits will be issued tickets. They also know that those who abide by speed limits will not be fined even a single riyal.

I mention these negative views regarding Saher without any intention of creating any traffic chaos or disregarding the rights of other road users. This technology is important and most apt in ensuring justice and saving lives, especially in light of the increasing numbers of road accidents in the Kingdom.

I was a victim of a traffic accident while traveling along an expressway in Riyadh. The accident was caused by a speeding car driven by a young man who was driving recklessly. This man was frequently changing lanes as if he was playing a PlayStation game.

My brother was involved in a similar road accident last week, caused by a man who drove recklessly and ran a red light.

Frankly speaking, we tend to be very slow in all matters except driving. Unfortunately, we are in a mood to break the world record in speeding. The death rate due to road accidents in Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in the world. Our roads have become dreadful as statistical figures show that road accidents are becoming more and more day by day.

There is no need to elaborate on the matter. The reader can get a clear picture of the terror on the road by simply browsing YouTube. A large number of traffic accidents in other countries are caused due to driving under the influence of intoxication, something that hardly happens in Saudi Arabia.

Why don’t we deal with Saher in a positive way? We should change our style of driving by stringently abiding to speed limits. We must have a different perspective on the topic. Speeding is a custom for us and not at all an addiction. Our traffic rules have been written in a way that leaves them improperly implemented and adhered to. There is no objection in discussing them or making them up-to-date. We adhere to driving rules and regulations when visiting developed countries or even the neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states.

There are more causes for road accidents other than speeding and running red lights. They include a lack of concentration while driving due to the usage of mobile phones, not keeping the ideal distance from vehicles in front or having scant disregard for other road users. There are some other factors pertaining to roads such as dangerous potholes, sharp curves without warnings and lack of proper traffic signals.

I suggest, among other things, the concerned traffic authorities in various regions set up websites to guide road users with graphic illustrations about locations on dangerous roads. The citizen should be advised to become the first traffic policeman. I also have one advice to our friends who are keen to dodge surveillance cameras — Don’t speed.