Regulations of driving within speed limits, fastening the seatbelt and not using mobile phones while driving will be the focus point for traffic authorities this year, announced Ali Al-Zahrani, assistant spokesman of Makkah's Traffic Department, during the inauguration of Arabic Traffic Week 2012 in Makkah recently. A total of 631 people died in traffic accidents in Makkah over the past year, he said in a statement to Al-Watan newspaper. Al-Zahrani identified that the top causes of many of the fatalities were due to the gross negligence of drivers. Examples he cited included not paying proper attention on the road, speeding, falling asleep at the wheel and not getting vehicles examined regularly. Al-Zahrani emphasized the Traffic Department's desire to deliver educational campaigns to warn motorists of the perils of driving without due care and attention. Of particular importance was targeting the youth in collaboration with Makkah Educational Department. The campaign will highlight the negative impact of road accidents on families. Al-Zahrani called upon motorists to abide by traffic rules and regulations. He identified the top three priorities his law enforcement officers will be focusing on in the coming year: adherence to speed limits, wearing seatbelt and not using mobile devices whilst driving.
