A reckless driver in Ramah was fined 10,000 riyals for crossing valleys and ravines

The Riyadh Traffic Department officially announced the arrest of a driver who appeared in a widely circulated video, recklessly attempting to cross a wadi during flash floods in the Rumah Governorate. The video showed the vehicle venturing into the floodwaters, endangering the lives of the driver and his passengers, in a scene that sparked widespread outrage on social media. The department confirmed that all necessary legal procedures are being completed against the violator, emphasizing its policy of zero tolerance in applying the legally prescribed penalties for such serious violations that threaten public safety.

Details of the incident and the legal penalty: 10,000 riyals

Security authorities reacted swiftly to the video footage documenting the moment the vehicle plunged into the flash flood, an act classified as a clear and serious violation of Saudi Arabian traffic laws. According to the executive regulations and traffic violation schedules, "risking crossing wadis and ravines while they are flowing" is considered a highly dangerous offense to public safety. The fine for this act can reach 10,000 Saudi Riyals . This severe penalty aims to deter drivers from undertaking reckless actions that could result in human tragedies and loss of life and property.

The context of the rainy season and the nature of "transboundary flash floods"

This incident coincides with the rainy weather affecting several regions of the Kingdom, where fluctuating temperatures and heavy rainfall cause flash floods in valleys and streams. Geographically, desert areas like the Rmah Governorate and its surroundings are characterized by the phenomenon of "flash floods," where water flows from distant areas that have experienced rainfall, surprising hikers and drivers in regions that have not received heavy rain, thus increasing the element of surprise and danger.

The danger of these valleys lies in their deceptive nature; a rise in water level of just a few centimeters can cause a vehicle to lose its balance and its tires to rub against the ground, leading to it being swept away regardless of its size or four-wheel drive power, something that many adventurers are unaware of.

Government efforts and integration between traffic and civil defense

As part of the government's efforts to protect lives, the General Directorate of Traffic works in close coordination and high-level integration with the General Directorate of Civil Defense, especially during rainy seasons and periods of inclement weather. These agencies intensify their field presence near critical areas and wadi beds to prevent reckless drivers from approaching them.

The relevant authorities also issue regular and ongoing warnings through social media platforms, various media outlets, and the early warning system, urging citizens and residents to adhere to safe routes and avoid crossing wadis, regardless of the reasons. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of following safety instructions, as recklessness not only exposes drivers to legal accountability and fines but also places rescue teams in dangerous and difficult situations during response and assistance operations.

Social responsibility and a call for commitment

In concluding its statement and response to the event, the Traffic Department reiterated its call to all drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving in rainy weather and to stay away from areas where water has accumulated and wadis (dry riverbeds). It emphasized that traffic safety is a shared responsibility between official authorities and members of the community, and that awareness of natural hazards and respect for traffic laws are the only ways to preserve lives and avoid the hefty fines that were enacted primarily to protect society from irresponsible individual actions.