Saudi women learn road safety measures ahead of driving license procedures

Saudi women in Dammam underwent training programs and attended awareness lectures on traffic safety rules at the “Qiadaty Eradati” forum, which translates to “my driving is my will”.

The forum was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of road safety measures in order to reduce traffic accidents. Participants were made aware of the traffic laws and their importance in ensuring safety for all.

Women attending the forum not only learned about road safety but also how to drive a car through virtual simulations. The activities were part of their preparations to earn a driver’s license.

At the forum, the Saudi General Directorate of Traffic demontrated all the necessary regulatory and administrative requirements to be implemented. This will enable the department to fulfill its role when women begin to drive in Saudi Arabia.

In September of last year, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a decree allowing Saudi women to drive as of June this year. The initiative comes as part of large-scale economic and social reforms.

Speaking to Al Arabiya.net, Saudi Princess Abeer Bint Faisal sent a message to women across Saudi Arabia. “Thank God Almighty we have trust in Saudi women. They are capable of taking the responsibility of driving as they do with her duties at home. We trust their commitment because they are much more aware than they once were.”

In a video obtained by Al Arabiya.net, university students are seen participating in training activities. All the students looked very happy as they take the driver’s seat for the first time.

Meanwhile, driving instructor Bashaer al-Masiri said that learning to drive is not an easy task as some may think and, in fact, requires a combination of skill and understanding. “Driving also requires capable instructors who imbibe in them the necessary safety measures for the task,” she added.