A fine of 10,000 riyals for crossing valleys: A driver was apprehended in Riyadh
Riyadh Traffic Police 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, endangering his life and the lives of his passengers. The General Directorate of Traffic confirmed that legal procedures are being completed against the driver, emphasizing that negligence in such weather conditions constitutes a serious violation warranting punishment.
Details of the incident and the prescribed punishment
Security authorities reacted swiftly to the video footage documenting the driver's reckless attempt to cross a flash flood with his vehicle, a behavior that relevant authorities have repeatedly warned against. The General Directorate of Traffic clarified that the regulations clearly state that crossing wadis and ravines while they are flowing is a traffic violation punishable by a fine of up to 10,000 riyals . This action is part of a firm enforcement of regulations to deter reckless behavior, which typically increases during the rainy season.
The context of risks and the nature of valleys in the Kingdom
This incident is particularly significant given the geographical nature of Saudi Arabia, where many areas, including the Riyadh region's Rumah Governorate, are characterized by valleys and ravines that may appear calm on the surface but can rapidly transform into powerful flash floods during rainfall. Historically, the Kingdom has witnessed numerous drowning incidents and vehicles being swept away due to underestimating the force of water and failing to appreciate the risks. This has prompted Saudi legislation to increase penalties, transforming these incidents from mere awareness warnings into explicit legal violations punishable by fines and legal action.
Government efforts and their impact on public safety
This firm enforcement comes as part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Civil Defense to enhance public safety and reduce human and material losses during the rainy season. Statistics in recent years have shown that the strict application of fines (such as the 10,000 riyal fine) has significantly contributed to raising awareness among drivers and reducing the phenomenon of "dune bashing" or dangerous outings near flood channels.
Continuous warnings to preserve lives
The General Directorate of Traffic renewed its call to all citizens and residents to exercise caution and stay away from water collection points and flood channels, and not to risk crossing them no matter how low the water level may seem, stressing that modern vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles, may easily lose their balance in the face of the force of the water flow, turning a picnic into a disaster with dire consequences.
