The Gulf Traffic Week is being observed in the Kingdom with much enthusiasm and fanfare. Governors and officials in various regions are exhorting motorists to follow traffic rules seriously and help bring down the number of accidents. The Kingdom enjoys the dubious distinction of being a country with the highest number of deaths due to road accidents.

One hopes that regular campaigns and events such as these will help curb accidents. However, a traffic sense needs to be instilled into people right from childhood. This could be done by introducing the subject into the school curriculum and also by having “Road Safety Patrols” (RSP) comprising students. Such contingents of students should be trained by traffic personnel and sent across the streets to man traffic and also create awareness. An annual parade could be organized of these RSPs and prizes declared for participating schools.

Electronic games exposing the dangers of speeding and consequences of the violation of traffic rules should also be introduced to counter the computer games of mad driving skills. After all, life is precious and no stone should be left unturned to protect it. Life cannot be simply wasted in road accidents. The authorities are seen doing their best, but they will be helpless until the general public takes it seriously and follow the rules on traffic safety.


Strict laws needed

This is with reference to the news story, "600,000 porn sites blocked in two years" (March 16). The Communication and Information Technology Commission has done a commendable job. A Shoura member has rightly said that dealing with the Internet has become a daily responsibility keeping in mind the moral degradation porn sites cause in society.

It may be highlighted here that porn sites on the Internet is a multi-billion dollar industry and constant efforts are being made to entice people and keep the business going. For instance, a search on the Internet for a holy place will also present a nude photograph of a woman among the photographs, cleverly inserted by people promoting porn. One wonders how this practice can be curbed. Looks like Satan is working full time in the 21st century.

The Shoura member has rightly made a call that Saudi Arabia needs to enact strict laws based on UN conventions to protect children from watching pornograph.