ALKHOBAR: The daily average of traffic accidents in the Eastern Province has reached 280, according to traffic department estimates.

Sultan Al-Zahrani, traffic safety chief, called on all private and government entities to work together to curb accidents and decrease injuries and deaths. He pointed out that the EP Award for Ideal Driver listed a new category which includes the private and government sector and school transportation award to encourage people to be committed to the principles of road safety and establish a spirit of competiveness between operating companies.

“The award is an important incentive that helps drivers to be committed to the rules and regulations and shows the positive side of drivers,” he said.

Road safety shouldn’t be left to chance because it is related to the health of citizens who are at the center of the Kingdom’s development. In order to encourage drivers to offer better services, new policies should be developed to achieve sustainable development.

Al-Zahrani confirmed that the award’s vision is represented in building a generation which realizes the importance of commitment to traffic laws and competitiveness between government and private bodies to raise the level of commitment to traffic laws and regulations in order to curb traffic accidents and save lives.

The award aims to encourage users of vehicles to be committed to the rules and raise the competency of drivers in order to limit traffic accidents and provide a safe traffic environment that benefits all members of society. It aims to encourage drivers to abide by speed limits and use seat belts in addition to encouraging young drivers to drive safely.

The award has three parts; the first pertains to individuals — the perfect driver; the second targets government and private entities that have more than 50 cars. These entities are evaluated according to accidents and violations and the extent of safety in its various sectors. The third branch targets schools and universities to develop means to curb traffic accidents that involve students.

Those who are eligible for registration are those who have no violations or committed accidents for a whole year.