With the onset of the rainy season across Saudi Arabia, the General Directorate of Traffic has renewed its warnings to drivers to exercise extreme caution. This warning is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and reduce the number of accidents, which often increase with changing weather conditions and slippery roads.
Official warnings about the risk of slipping
Saudi Traffic Police, through its official account on the social media platform "X," explained that driving in rainy weather requires special skills and heightened concentration. They emphasized the danger of hydroplaning, noting that tire grip and road stability decrease significantly with increasing speed in wet conditions, causing drivers to lose control and leading to catastrophic accidents.
4 golden tips for safe driving
To ensure a safe journey and protect lives and property, the traffic department has issued 4 essential tips that every driver should adhere to when it rains:
- Slowing down: Adhering to lower than usual speeds to give the driver more time to react and avoid sudden skidding.
- Wiper usage: Ensure that the windshield wipers are efficient and used effectively to guarantee clear front and rear visibility.
- Safety distance: Double the safety distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, as the car needs a longer distance to come to a complete stop on wet roads.
- Warning signals: Use your turn signals in case of poor visibility to alert other drivers of your location and movements.
Traffic safety context in the Kingdom
These warnings are particularly important in Saudi Arabia, where authorities are working to reduce traffic fatalities as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The periods following prolonged droughts are especially dangerous, as the first rains mix with dirt and oil residue on the roads, creating a slippery layer that increases the risk of skidding.
Corporate social responsibility and the impact of commitment
Adhering to these instructions is not merely following traffic laws; it is a moral and social obligation that contributes to preserving human life. Global traffic studies confirm that defensive driving during adverse weather conditions significantly reduces the rate of serious accidents, thus improving quality of life and lessening the economic and health burdens resulting from accidents.
