Jeddah leads in the number of traffic accidents in the Kingdom, said Col. Zaid Al-Hamzi, Jeddah Traffic Department spokesman.

Al-Hamzi told Arab News that Riyadh came second, followed by Makkah and Madinah.

“Jeddah traffic operation rooms recorded about 50,000 traffic accidents in the last six months, which range in severity from car damage to injury and death,” he said. “The figure was half this during the same period last year.”

“We call on all drivers to strictly comply with traffic safety regulations to stop this increase,” said Al-Hamzi

He said the department is trying to curb traffic violations by carrying out inspections at checkpoints on major and secondary roads across the region.

“The campaign aim to boost traffic safety and prevent irregularities and violations by drivers,” he said.

The drive has been launched under the leadership of Brig. Gen. Wasl Allah Al-Harbi, director of the Jeddah Traffic Department, and covers all regions of the governorate.

Drivers will be fined for unauthorized parking, illegal overtaking, failure to wear seat belts and using mobile phones while driving.

“More than 800 police officers and security members are involved in the drive. They will also take action against those who run the red light or exceed the speed limit,” said Al-Hamzi.