Job Discussion Forums

[desert_traveller]

...

[johnslat]

Here are some statistics that I found:

Saudi Arabia Population: 27,601,038
note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2007 est.)

Saudi Arabia
There were 20 casualties on every 1,000 traffic accidents in 2006
This means that there were 16 fatalities every day due to traffic accidents
The Eastern Province registered 853 traffic deaths last year
Source - Shoura Council member Dr. Abdul Jaleel Bin Ali Al-Saif

The number of traffic deaths in the Kingdom is roughly 7.3 persons per 10,000 registered vehicles
Currently, more than 9 million automobiles and trucks were registered in the Kingdom as of 2005
Source - Jamal Abdul Mohsin Abdul Aal, The Traffic Safety Committee,

Traffic violations in the kingdom have increased considerably in recent years rising by 349 per cent in 2004 compared to the figure in 1996.

Every minute at least 11 traffic violations take place on the kingdom�s roads.

According to statistics issued by the Interior Ministry�s data centre, about 78 per cent of the victims of traffic violations are below the age of 46.

People injured in traffic accidents occupy about one third of hospital beds.

During the last five years, traffic departments have registered more than 1.36 million accidents that caused the deaths of 21,900 people and injured 122,600 others.

In 2004 alone, 5,168 people died and 348,100 others were injured in 293,200 accidents across the country.

Source - Ministry of Interior - Traffic Police Dept.

Arab News says (in a March 18, 2007 article) that according to a report issued by Riyadh's traffic department, 283,684 traffic accidents took place last year, resulting in the death of 5,883 people. While the report showed a 2.2 percent decrease in accidents compared to the previous year, the figures are nonetheless still shocking, to say the least. The figures mean that three people died every three hours last year as a result of accidents.

On another note, Arab News also says that highway police have started stopping reckless drivers after the traffic department found 63 percent of total traffic violations (2.88 million) took place on highways in 2006. Highway police detected 1.8 million traffic violations last year alone.

The view from the passenger seat is that these accidents happen due to reckless drivers and driving. A report I found on Google reveals thus --

The causes for this increase in traffic accidents can be summarized as follows:
* Aggressive driving behavior such as driving at high speed and not obeying traffic signals
* Poor car maintenance, particularly the tires and the brakes
* Disregard for warning, regulatory and guide signs erected to facilitate the drivers' mission and safety of road users.

Here are some USA statistics:
United States Population: 301,139,947 (July 2007 est.)

In 2006 ...
42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes
a 2.0% declinefrom 2005
lowest level in five years
largest decline since 1992 in terms of number and percent
2,575,000 people were injured
a4.6% declinefrom 2005
statistically significant decline
decline for the seventh year in a row

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810837.PDF


Well, I'm no mathematician, but it does seem to me that the Saudi drivers have proportionately more accidents and fatalities than USA drivers.
In my opinion, some of the reasons are as follow:

1. a higher percentage of unlicensed and under-age drivers in KSA
2. less use of seat-belts and child car seats (though this, I think, is improving.)
3. a lack of establishments that teach driving skills.
"I am forced to ask where these people learned to drive. Who is to blame for these travesties? We all know that there is only one entity which teaches driving all over the Kingdom � a private company named Dallah. To what extent does Dallah bear the blame for the terrible driving in Saudi Arabia? And why is there only one company? How are its activities monitored and how does it teach and train drivers? When are licenses issued? All these are legitimate questions and deserve answers.

According to my information, Dallah has two branches in Riyadh � one in the south and one in the north. There are 36 trainers; half of them are expatriates and the training is given within the school. Sometimes the trainees are taken to one of the expressways without any special sign on the vehicle. The trainers follow the curriculum given to them by the traffic department in each region. The programs differ according to who the drivers are. It is clear from the programs that some young people who received training from their fathers or relatives are given a three-hour �soft course� on road signs in order to pass the test. Foreign drivers, who got licenses from their respective countries, are given intensive training programs for 30 hours."

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4&section=0&article=77324&d=5&m=2&y=2006

4. Wasta's being too often used to obtain a driver's license.

[also in saudi]

The distance from my compound to work location was only 14 km.
Each week there were at least 15 accidents, some involving 5 or more vehicles. Saudis leave accident debris on the roadside.
Weather certainly cannot be used as an excuse.
Saudis often rear end vehicles stopped at stop signs and red lights.

[cmp45]

I wittness bad driving habits in Riyadh on a daily basis...and not just by Saudis, but other expatriates as well...
- On a four lane busy main road; all lanes are used to make a left turn when in fact only the left lane is supose to be used to turn left.
- Side streets that do not have right of way or yield signs are constantly clogged in early morning rush hour; due to the fact that no one wants to yeild, resulting in cars trapped in the intersection, all trying to go through at the same time. Ridiculously absurd!
- Speeding through red lights!
- Children that can barely see over the steering wheel in my neighbourhood in the Malaz area driving around; I kid you not!
- Children sitting on drivers laps
- Overtaking on freeways from all sides
- Driving on the "safety lane"
- Driving at high speeds on side roads
- Constant tailgating at high speeds
- Parking in no parking areas such as on the side of a busy street where normally no one should park
- Total disregard for pedestrians at cross walks that have the right of way.

Driving in Saudi Arabia is a serious hazzard!

[Bebsi]

Although originally posted a few years ago, here once again are my ten tips for better and safer KSA driving:

1. Get a large vehicle; the more bulky and sturdy the better. A Scania 18 wheeler and a T-34 tank rate among the favourites. A Humvee is also not bad! The T-34 has a few disadvantages, lack of speed/performance being one of them.

2. My approach is simple: drive the way the Saudis do, but BETTER! Yes, you must break the red lights when there's a guy behind you, because he is assuming you WILL. As you are probably doing 140Kph, which means he is too, you will rammed up your arse if you even slow down a little. You MUST keep going. Just make sure that, unlike the other drivers, you are not fixing items of headgear at that moment, and that your mirrors are properly adjusted.

3. Faster is better! I increase my speed when going through lights...RED AND GREEN...that way I stand less chance of getting hit from the side...less exposure, you understand!! Also, the faster you drive generally, the less time you have to spend on the roads, again reducing your exposure.

4. On two-way roads, I tend to drive on the left. Everyone else does, so it follows that...oh, isn't it obvious! Some expats are under the very false impression that driving is on the right in KSA!

5. To avoid getting hemmed in by badly-parked drivers, I always leave my car in the main thoroughfare, usually outside someone else's parked car. That way I have no problems.

6. When driving on the highway at night, I try to avoid using my lights. If some nutcase sees your lights, and he is feeling adventurous, he may try to play chicken with you. Lightless, I can stay invisible for as long as possible. This gives me the advantage.

7. When turning, I similarly avoid using indicators. Why tell anyone else what you are about to do? Better to take the ba*****s by surprise!

8. To take my mind off the road and to make me feel relaxed, I play games on my mobile when driving. That's very soothing I find. Likewise, calling a friend for a chat is therapeutic. For long trips, I take my laptop!!

9. A very dangerous time when driving in KSA is when being overtaken. I therefore avoid this situation where possible. This is done by a combination of fast-driving and blocking the road, especially the fast lanes. Wobbling between lanes is a very effective technique in this regard. The faster you drive, the less need there is of course, to block the road at all.

10. Roundabouts: As in rule three, minimum exposure is the key. So, to avoid spending a nanosecond more than I have to on these carousels of carnage, I charge in...he who hesitates etc...and rather than waste time doing a semi-circle with all the wimps, I just charge across the lanes in a straight line, going at full-pelt, and out my exit. In order to avoid being distracted by uncertain or scared drivers, I tend to perform this manoevre with my eyes closed.

Anyway....much argument rages as to who actually has the right-of-way on Saudi roundabouts. Allow me to settle the argument here and now: it is the person with the bigger and faster vehicle, and the greatest amount of nerve. In simple terms, MIGHT IS RIGHT. Don't think about piffling matters like rights-of-way...just go into that roundabout. If you don't, 200 others will do so...yes, of course, all at the same time!! What did you people expect???


It is easy, once you get the hang of it. Happy and safe driving!!

[Bebsi]

You've read the rules, now what about the best vehicle?

Again, lifted from one of my earlier postings on the site, I offer the following considerations:

T-34 tanks, which have in past postings been suggested from a safety point-of-view, while very good in the resilience category, are not very fast, and are poor performers. They are also scarce and difficult to acquire.

However, a large Scania or MAN is good. This should be decked out with a very large array of coloured lights, as if to celebrate a sort of Trucking Festive Season. It is imperative that all of these lights are glowing at all times of darkness, with the exception of signals, which should not actually be used at all, as their purpose is purely decorative. When about to execute a turn, the signals MUST be turned off some minutes in advance. The cab should be decorated in lots of trinkets and beads, and the outside surface should sport an expression of loyalty or affinity to some Asian or African location. " I miss Mindanao" or 'I love Luanda" would be in order. "Dacca is delightful" or "Kerala is Kool" would also gain Kudos for creativity.

Another vehicle that is recommended is a 4WD Toyota (or other Japanese/Korean pickup), especially favoured in the more remote areas. These vehicles must be first adapted externally for KSA, if for extra-urban use, by incapacitating at least one headlight and all indicators (signals) and wing mirrors, denting some metal bodywork and removing half of the rivets holding the bumpers (fenders) in place. The interior decoration is strictly governed by law. A furry or woolly covering for the dashboard is obligatory, likewise the steering wheel, and a nice cushion for one's feet atop the dashboard is a strongly recommended accessory. Decorations such as spinning CDs suspended from the central vanity mirror (known in some parts of the world as "rear-view-mirrors") and nodding dogs, are de rigeur.

These vehicles incorporate certain advantages, such as comfortable seats in the driving cab for camels and sheep, and flatbed areas to the rear where wives, sisters-in-law and children can be accommodated out of harm's way.

For urban driving, especially among our younger and more "hip" drivers, a Humvee would be a most desirable accessory. For ultra trendy appearance, a load of fake antennae should be erected from the general area of the bonnet (hood), along with the original orange flashing emergency lights. These latter should ALWAYS be kept on.

Driving a Humvee involves a very special road-technique. As this vehicle appears to be unable to travel at a speed less than 150KPH, and a unique foible in the steering mechanism prevents lane-change, the skilled Humvee driver will only drive in the fast-lane, preferably at a speed of 180+ KPH, making sure that orange emergency lights are continuously flashing, and flicking his "full-beams" at any disrespectful or inconsiderate driver who happens to be in front of him blocking his lane. A minimum of six passengers must be carried, and baseball-caps are mandatory attire for all. VERRRRY loud (one hunderd & fifty decibels minimum) music, with special BasSFX, is played as part of the process. A recommended time for cruising the highways and Boyways of KSA is Weds and Thurs nights. A team of local experts is understood to be working on a suspension system whereby wheelies will soon be possible with Humvees, for the occupants' greater delectation and enjoyment.

Humvees, however, are not cheap vehicles. Accetable alternatives are Land Cruisers and Toyota Camrys. These vehicles, while not required to display orange-flashing-lights and antennae, are subject to other rules, that stipulate purple/indigo flashing & circulating lights on number plates, and sports stripes along the flanks, proclaiming speed-related logos such as "Fastman", Speeeeeeedex" or "Daytona 2XR1GTR". Needless to say, no self-respecting driver would be seen dead (a common state of appearance among this group) without large, conspicuous spoilers and the ubiquitous spinning CD.

The older Chevvy Caprice appears to be a dying breed; however, it is still acceptable as an alternative to the Camry, especially in desert areas and smaller cities.

So, what's your vehicle to be? A bright yellow Humvee? A Nissan Pickup, a fire-striped Camry, an antique Caprice or a thundering Iveco? All have their charms, and are guaranteed to afford many enjoyable hours of driving the thoroughfares of Saudi Arabia.

Happy and safe driving everyone. Remember the sage advice from the Captain at the beginning of each episode of Hill Street Blues?

GO TO IT GUYS, AND DO IT TO THEM BEFORE THEY DO IT TO YOU!!

[Mark100]

The statistics on road accidents makes pretty frightening reading in KSA but what is even more frightening is the fatalities that are documented are basically the people that are killed on the spot.

If you die in hospital or are paralysed or crippled i don't believe these statistics are included in the official lists.

The factor which stands out with Saudi is the speed vehicles travel.

When you combine recklessness with speed you get very bad road accidents.

[Bebsi]

Can we trust the statistics? Are they really that reliable?

Recent figures and survey results suggest that statistics are open to misuse and exploitation.

[windstar]

[johnslat]

Dear Bebsi,
Admittedly statistics can be manipulated (There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics - a quote from Mark Twain, who attributed it to Disraeli, but apparently no one knows for sure where it came from.)

However, when the only choice seems to be between statistics and "anecdotal evidence", I think I'd go with the statistics.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

One of the great things about my job is that I DO NOT NEED A CAR. Everywhere I have to go is within walking distance !

Driving in KSA is an awful prospect. Being driven is nearly as bad.

[Bebsi]

Johnslat, I would also go with the stats, which needless to say are better than anecdotal evidence.

I was being IRONIC!!!!

Statistics in themselves don't lie, in that figures for what they are worth are (usually) true. However, the problem is that statistics are very often manipulated by certain people and mis-interpreted and/or distorted to support certain arguments that may not be true.

Example:

A survey, carried out by the fast-food industry, may reveal that 99.99% of diners eat fast-food lunches at least twice a week. However, if that survey has been carried out in McFood's, Whopperking and Supersambo restaurants between 12.00 and 15.00 over a week, but we are not told this basis, how will we the readers interpret the information?

Or the govt of X country tells us there is only 2% unemployment, the figure of 2% being defined as those not employed in any way. However, if half of those on welfare have recently been enrolled on short-term low-paid community work schemes, how accurate is it to say that that country has a 2% unemployment rate?

An large part of the problem has to do with definitions rather than figures.

Having said the above, it is still better than "fast-food appears to be popular in the US, if a packed McFoods at lunchtime is anything to go by!" or "a government spokesperson has pointed to the amount of people on the tram going to work every day".

[tedkarma]

I drove for five years in Riyadh.

Yes, local people drive like selfish pigs - but really no problem if you are careful.

I'm quite glad that I had a car while I was there or I would have felt really trapped. A car will provide you with the opportunity to visit the bazaars at various compounds and to meet many of the people living there.

There is tendency amongst expats living in Saudi to either just go reclusive or to overdo it - but there is a good middle ground.

"John Slat" where are you these days? NM?

[johnslat]

Dear tedkarma,
Yup, I'm residing in Santa Fe - have been since 2003. I'm teaching ESL and Critical Reading at the local community college, 20 hours a week.
And now that I've moved into the suburbs of Geezerville, I start collecting Social Security next weeK.
Life is good, and yes - there IS life after EFL.
Regards,
John

[tedkarma]

John,

If I may ask please . . . I have a OLD friend in the Santa Fe area - Jeff T - who may also be a teacher there? His wife is - geez - I can't remember - but a real stunner about 18 years back. He is probably quite bald by now but an exceptionally nice guy. His wife, last I knew, was a dietitian/nutritionist.

All of us are/were from Tucson.

Nice to hear you are doing well. My FICA is due in six years - though I am semi-retired at the moment and would like to keep it that way.

Ted