Riyadh traffic police arrest a reckless driver who fled after a hit-and-run accident
The General Directorate of Traffic in Saudi Arabia announced the arrest of a driver in Riyadh after a video circulated online showing him recklessly performing stunts in a public area. The driver's violations were not limited to dangerous driving; he also collided with another vehicle and fled the scene, demonstrating a clear disregard for the lives and property of others.
The General Directorate of Traffic confirmed that the driver was identified and apprehended in record time, and initial legal procedures were initiated against him, prior to referring him to the Traffic Authority for the application of penalties stipulated in the Traffic Law. This swift action comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts exerted by security authorities to enforce order and deter anyone who dares to endanger public safety.
The phenomenon of drifting: historical context and social risks
Drifting, also known as reckless driving or drifting, is a dangerous behavioral phenomenon that has emerged in Saudi society and some Gulf countries in recent decades. It involves young people, often driving at reckless speeds and performing dangerous stunts with their vehicles. This practice transcends being a mere traffic violation, becoming a criminal act that threatens the lives of the driver, their passengers, and other road users and innocent pedestrians. Over the years, drifting accidents have caused numerous tragedies and the loss of precious lives, prompting authorities to significantly increase penalties to combat this practice.
Impact and deterrent penalties: strict application of the law
Saudi authorities deal very firmly with the offense of reckless driving (drifting), with traffic laws stipulating deterrent penalties that escalate according to the number of offenses. For a first offense, a hefty fine is imposed and the vehicle is impounded. If the offense is repeated, the fine is doubled, the vehicle impoundment period is extended, and the penalty may even reach imprisonment. If reckless driving results in death, injury, or damage to public or private property, the driver faces criminal charges that could lead to harsher penalties. The swift arrest of the perpetrator of this incident in Riyadh sends a clear message that there will be no leniency towards such behavior, and that law enforcement is vigilant thanks to electronic monitoring and community cooperation in reporting violators.
