Saudi cities launch community driving events for women

Commencing on Thursday and for three consecutive days, and in preparation for the implementation of the decision to allow Saudi women to drive, a number of community awareness events will be launched in the Kingdom.

According to the General Directorate of Traffic, the activities in the form of competitions, educational and entertainment activities are lined up in the cities of Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Tabuk, to promote concepts of safety during, on how to use roads, and familiarize with the traffic system and rules.

The activities and road shows will introduce and seek to familiarize the drivers as well as the public on the mechanical parts of the vehicle, safety belt use and benefits, driving practise using simulators, parking, and traffic safety principles.

Venues

In Riyadh, the events will be held at the Riyadh Park complex, in Dammam at the waterfront on the Dammam Corniche, in Jeddah in the paragliding ground opposite the Red Sea Mall, and in the King Abdulaziz Park in the city of Tabuk.

“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, may God preserve them, to enable women to drive in the Kingdom,” said Major General Mohammed al-Bassami, Director General of the General Department of Traffic.

Women driving on Saudi roads is the beginning of a new phase, al-Bassami said, which will “promote a culture of traffic safety among Saudi family members, and raise awareness among young people to the rules of public safety, thereby helping to reduce traffic accidents and the consequent human and material losses.”

“We have been keen to participate in organizing these events in partnership with sponsors, which affirms and enhances the role of the family in raising the level of traffic safety, which was pointed out by the Minister of Interior that the leadership of women in this field will turn it into an educational practice.”