The continued loss of human life and the drain on resources as a result of road accidents have reached such serious levels that urgent action is called for. It is time to seriously seek solutions to a problem that has so far defied solution.
It all began with the massive development the Kingdom has experienced over the last three decades.
The economic prosperity brought more cars into the streets and thus more accidents. Speed, passing incorrectly, disregarding traffic regulations, narrow and twisted roads, danger from animals, especially camels, and even rain and fog have all made the problem worse. The main factor, however, that might have helped aggravate the situation is the failure to create any sense of awareness among the public.
Cars have become necessities in our daily lives that we cannot do without. They are unfortunately two-edged swords that may bring either happiness or sorrow, depending on how we use them. The simplest mistakes can result in serious accidents. Instead of looking carefully at causes and what to do about them, we ignore everything, leaving all to chance. Where are the scientific studies and analysis upon which logical conclusions and actions could be based. What we are left with the same mistakes being made over and over; the same types of accidents happening again and again. The responsibility for tackling the problem does not lie only with the traffic police but must also be extended to cover the family, the school, sport and cultural clubs and every single member of the community. We should begin by educating our children from infancy to respect the rights of others who share the streets and roads with us. We should launch effective awareness campaigns, not by pressing for punishment only but by applying conviction and logic.
Now I wonder about something: how much have we benefited from the traffic weeks we have observed every year for a number of years? Investing in education would bear fruit over time and the dawning of respect for traffic rules and the rights of others would increase because it would be self-motivated. A time will come when we hope to see motorists and pedestrians behaving wisely on our streets and roads. And a fall in the number of traffic fatalities.
2 October 2002
