The 37th GCC Traffic Week: Know Safety, not Accident
About GCC Traffic Week,
GCC Traffic Week is held in March every year throughout the GCC. It highlights the importance of safe driving. During this week-long annual campaign, Traffic departments across the GCC countries aim to reduce violations and remedy erratic driving by conducting various seminars. Additionally, officers hold workshops and events to share their experiences and best practices. The event embodies solidarity and cooperation between Gulf countries.
Similarly, we are keen to promote community awareness and traffic safety. Put these tips into practice to help prevent a reckless driving accident from happening.
When exactly is GCC Traffic Week?
GCC Traffic Week takes place between March 11 to March 16 every year. To mark the occasion, the respective Traffic ministries and departments hold traffic and road safety awareness events for the public. Basically, these events intend to spread awareness on the importance of road safety, which is a major health concern for authorities and the government.
Valuable Tips for Drivers in Saudi
- The golden rule among drivers states: Everyone on the road is a beginner and I am the only skilled driver! Therefore, never assume others are as concerned about traffic safety as you. In order to drive cautiously, anticipate what the other drivers might do, – this is called defensive driving – and always be in charge of compliance with the traffic rules.
- Be alert on the road: “That X came out of nowhere,” is an excuse that has been said many times before. Most accidents happen because a driver wasn’t attentive to what is happening on the road. Although, multi-tasking while driving might look easy, driving is a task that requires full focus.
- Change lanes swiftly: Overtaking cars must be on the left side, and be sure to use your indicators before turning. Also, don’t use the emergency lane to overtake the car if the other driver is not cooperating with you, drivers can face hefty fines for passing or using the shoulder as a traffic lane.
- Everybody hates being tailgated: So, make sure to leave a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The rule of thumb is to maintain at least a three-second following distance (doubles at nighttime and in difficult weather conditions). If they suddenly stop or veer into another lane without notice, you’ll still have plenty of time to hit your brakes before getting into a wreck.
Be extra careful,
- Wildlife Crossings: Believe it or not, camels once caused 97 percent of all traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia! According to a study by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Watch out when traveling in rural areas with high camel populations, because camels are not familiar with the rules of the road and will cross as they see fit. An accident involving a camel or other wild animal can injure riders and do serious damage to your vehicle, most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover you for any damage to your car. However, compensation for stray camels accidents can be a bit tricky.
- Stay wide-awake: Before driving, check the side effects of medicines, especially those that can impair your ability to fully function as a driver. If your vision is blurry or you’re feeling drowsy, it is best to take a rest.
Don’t forget to,
- Check your car’s maintenance regularly: Most highways are full of the scattered remains of tires and streaks of oil leakage. Before embarking on a long drive make sure your car is ready to avoid any sudden stalls or grievous accidents. What is more, you might want to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy that covers roadside assistance if you are driving a long commute. Alternatively, you could buy an extension to cover your car outside of Saudi.
- Get car insurance. Not only is it a legal requirement here, but it can also guard you against many risks. Namely, if you are at fault in a car accident, TPL insurance helps pay for losses, such as the other party’s medical bills and damage to their car. On the other hand, comprehensive insurance can also help pay to repair your own car.
Opt for Optimum Protection in Saudi
While not all accidents are escapable, having your seatbelt, airbag, and proper car insurance policy will act as a cushion to minimize the risk. Comprehensive car insurance goes the extra mile, covering a wide range of unexpected events beyond accidents, like theft or natural disasters. If you’re considering buying comprehensive insurance for your car, use a price comparison website.
These websites make it effortless to compare multiple insurance quotes, helping you find affordable and comprehensive car insurance offers in Saudi Arabia. Take the first step to protect your peace of mind—start comparing car insurance prices online today!