Khaberni - The Traffic Department reported on Thursday morning that the traffic situation in the kingdom is witnessing "activity on most roads," coinciding with the start of the morning rush hours.
The department stated that it "dealt with the weather conditions" that prevailed during the past hours, which "caused a decrease in horizontal visibility on external roads," necessitating immediate safety measures, including a temporary closure of the desert road.
Concurrent with these weather conditions, the Traffic Department announced the official launch of the "winter campaign" at the beginning of next week, revealing details of the measures and penalties, while a tragic accident was recorded on the Safawi-Ruwaished road resulting in death and injuries.
Fog closes "the desert road" and the warnings continue
Regarding the weather conditions and their impact on roads, the Traffic Department disclosed a significant precautionary measure taken in the early hours of Thursday.
It explained that "traffic was stopped on the desert road at 3 AM for one hour" and attributed this temporary halt "to dense fog" which led to nearly zero visibility.
Despite the road reopening after relative visibility improved, the department warned drivers that the danger still persists, confirming that "there is now fog in the desert area."
This warning was not limited to the desert road alone, as the department indicated that "there is fog on many external roads" also in different parts of the kingdom.
The department emphasized the "continuous monitoring of road conditions" through patrols deployed to assess situations and take necessary measures promptly.
"Winter campaign" starts Saturday.. and this is what will be inspected
In the context of seasonal preparations, the Traffic Department officially announced that next "Saturday" will mark the start of the annual "winter campaign."
It explained that this campaign aims to "inspect vehicle readiness" and ensure compliance with general safety requirements for the winter season.
The department detailed the elements that will be inspected in vehicles, including:
Windshield wipers: (Ensuring their efficient operation).
Water sprayer: (To guarantee its operation in cleaning the windshield).
Vehicle lights' validity: (Ensuring the operation of all front and rear lights, stop lights, and fog lights).
Legality of plates: (Ensuring "clarity" and the absence of anything obstructing their readability).
Tires' validity: (Checking the depth of "wear" and their suitability for driving on wet roads).
Window lifts: (Ensuring the operation of the vehicle's windows).
Vehicle body: (Ensuring there are no fundamental defects that might affect safety).
Adjustment mechanism: A 7-day notice without license withdrawal
The department reassured drivers about the mechanism for dealing with violations during the campaign.
It clarified that "if a defect is detected in the vehicle, a notice will be given for a period of 7 days."
The department confirmed that this notice will be given "without withdrawing the license," allowing the driver time to rectify the situation.
"And then the vehicle's conditions must be rectified" within these seven days.
As for "vehicles that pass the inspection" and prove their full readiness, "they will be given a special sticker" indicating their successful completion of the winter inspection.
Tragic accidents and speed warnings
In terms of traffic accidents, the Traffic Department reported dealing with two major accidents during the past hours.
The first accident occurred on the "airport road at Al-Qastal bridge" and was a "collision between two vehicles."
The department reported that the accident resulted in one "moderate injury" and caused a "minor obstruction to the street" which was dealt with and cleared.
The second accident was more tragic, occurring "on the Safawi Ruwaished road," and was a collision "between a vehicle and a bus."
This unfortunate accident led to "one death and 4 moderate injuries."
In light of these accidents, the Traffic Department renewed its stern warning "against high speeds that cause deadly traffic accidents."
The department confirmed that "monitoring is continuous by the traffic management and external patrols" to control violations, announcing that "there will be an emphasis on violations" in the upcoming period to preserve lives.
Morning traffic analysis (peak)
Returning to the general traffic situation, the department described the "morning movement" as "active movement."
It attributed this activity to being usual at this time "due to universities, schools, and employees going to their workplaces."
The department identified areas with high traffic density in the capital, noting that "the movement is active on University Street and Sweileh."
It also reported that its teams dealt with morning obstacles, explaining that on "Independence Street inbound" (towards the Interior Circle), "two broken-down vehicles were dealt with."
It confirmed that the vehicles were moved and that the traffic "was not significantly affected" by this breakdown.
