RIYADH: As part of an intensive drive to minimize traffic accidents, Riyadh police cracked down on Saudi youths engaging in drifting (tafheet) that can be fatal for them and others.
A number of youths were detained and their vehicles seized on Friday, according to the traffic security network. The violators and their fans were at a site located on Ramah Road in Riyadh where they engage in dangerous driving.
The Riyadh Traffic Department has reiterated its warning to refrain from such dangerous behavior which is against the teachings of Islam. The department said the behavior undermines the stability of the country and leads youngsters to take drugs, commit theft and use weapons in defiance of official rules and regulations.
The police said the young people, known as “darbawiyah,” an Arabic term used for troublemakers, engage in drifting and other dangerous behavior on the roads. They also sometimes bring with them firearms to the site.
The authorities said 46 were arrested during the raid, including two who were in the act of drifting. The rest were there to enjoy the fun and applaud the performers. The police said such onlookers and fans are also liable to be detained since they put themselves at risk.
Based on information available, many fatalities caused by drifting were those attending the show and actually part of the event because they encourage the performers to attempt the deadly stunts.
The police said that all the detainees were transferred to the Nasiriyah Traffic Headquarters where they would be checked for any prior criminal records. A legal body at the department will study their papers and their traffic offenses before passing sentence on them.
The police also seized 27 vehicles, many of which were without license plates or had concealed plates in order to evade detection by traffic cameras.
Riyadh police detain drifters and their fans
Riyadh police detain drifters and their fans
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