RIYADH: The Jazan branch of the Saudi Red Crescent has announced that 20 people died while 75 others were injured over the past three weeks in traffic accidents in the region.

In the wake of the large number of deaths and injuries, concerned citizens in the region have called on traffic authorities to install a Saher traffic system in accident-prone areas in the region.

“The areas where vehicular accidents occur include the Jazan-Al Madhaya road where four persons were killed and three others injured when their vehicle hit a stray camel,” they said.

They said the injured were rushed to the Jazan General Hospital by ambulance teams from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.

“The death toll and injuries due to vehicular accidents are alarming and should be a cause for serious thought among traffic authorities,” they said.

Braishe bin Isa Al-Sarkhi, Saudi Red Crescent spokesman in the region, said: “The high proportion of tragic incidents is due to several factors including speeding and recklessness and needs to be addressed urgently.”

He added that strict traffic sanctions must also be applied to prevent accidents and loss of human life.

He called on the Ministry of Education to intensify its campaign of advice to motorists, especially to university and secondary school students, on the dangers of tragic accidents, the loss of life and the destruction of property.

He added: “Concerned authorities must step up awareness campaigns and the application of traffic regulations firmly and constantly against violators.”

Earlier, traffic authorities in the region met in the Saudi capital. They discussed the current situation in the Kingdom and the national strategic plan for traffic safety.