Mobile phone among 5 main causes of accidents

Use of mobile phones while driving is among the top five causes of accidents in the Kingdom, a Saudi organization that deals with traffic accidents has said.
Motorists jumping the signal is another leading cause of mishaps, the figures available with the organization show.
This revelation by the organization’s specialist was made following an ordinance by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, second deputy premier and interior minister, to various authorities to add a new provision (74/1/10) under the Traffic Regulations (16) of the irregularities (3).
Accordingly, the use of “hand-held mobile phone while driving” has been declared an offense liable for punishment. The deputy crown prince has sent letters to the regional governors, Bureau of Investigation and Prosecution, police, traffic and road safety asking them to penalize those found violating the traffic regulation. Earlier, the Riyadh traffic police had started monitoring motorists on phone while driving as one of the measures to closely monitor violations, including jumping red lights. Those not using the seat belt and indulging parking violations were among other offenses considered for punishment.
The Riyadh traffic police have intensified campaign round the clock at various intersections as part of a crackdown on traffic offenders, besides creating awareness about traffic rules. According to a local newspaper, the police registered 12,000 violations in one day in the capital alone, prompting officials to monitor the traffic flow.
A previous report in July had said that 1.4 million traffic violations, including speeding and ignoring traffic signals, were registered in the first quarter of this year, while 2.6 million traffic offenses were registered last year.
More accidents are reported on holidays and non-school days. Many young Saudis go for joyrides on Fridays and Saturdays, while others, including many families (both expats and Saudis), go out for weekly shopping and outings.