Rashid Mohammed Al-Fouzan Al-Riyadh An integrated traffic system is our real demand. Saher came to us in 2009 when the number of traffic deaths was 17 a day. Today, with Saher very much a part of our traffic system, the number of daily deaths has risen to 21, according to official statistics. This is in addition to other traffic violations, which literally number in the millions. What is the meaning of this? These statistics have reminded me of the recent Riyadh Economic Forum, which said corruption had increased after the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha). Let us agree that in principle the Saher system is good. It has organized traffic near traffic signals that have no cameras to resister violations. It has also reduced speeding incidents inside cities but what about outside? According to an official study, about 60 percent of traffic deaths happen on expressways between cities. This means that speeding is the real cause for fatal traffic accidents. Inside the cities and towns, traffic violations include parking incorrectly, joy riding, incorrect overtaking, reversing into oncoming traffic, running red lights, not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones when driving. The Saher system has not organized the chaotic traffic either in or outside the cities. With or without Saher, all drivers should respect the traffic law. They should wear seatbelts, abstain from talking on mobile phones while driving, stop at red traffic lights, do not reverse into oncoming traffic and park their cars safely. Do we really have a traffic system? The answer is a big no. What is the reason for this? Is it the inadequacy of traffic policemen, the absence of laws, laziness, wasta (nepotism) or others? In fact, there are many reasons for the lack of a real traffic system but the main one is disrespect for the system itself. Anyone can jump a red traffic light without fearing punishment and in complete disregard for human life. People show great respect to the system when there are traffic campaigns that last for a day or two, then everything goes back to normal when these initiatives cease. People do not respect traffic laws because they are weak. You will often see traffic policemen not wearing seatbelts or talking on mobile phones while driving. The traffic system needs new direction from a strong management. The system should be comprehensive and treat all people equally. More people are dying, getting injured or crippled as a result of traffic accidents, while Saher is there making more money. Something is very wrong with our traffic system and there is no sign of it being reformed.
