Manama: A Saudi stunt driver narrowly escaped death after he fell out of his drifting car. His head just narrowly escaped hitting the car.
Drifting, one of the major phenomena attracting young Saudi men, is deeply resented by most components of the society.
Media users sharing the video of the stunt that went viral, urged citizens to stop such reckless behaviour.
Zahra, a social user, said that the driver and his passengers were totally “senseless and brainless” and should be punished.
Layalle said that the passenger was lucky to have survived the accident.
“He has to learn the lesson and abstain from such senseless acts,” she said. “After all, he might not be so fortunate the next time it happens.”
Another user writing under the moniker of “Present” said that “only a totally irrational person would engage in such dangerous activities.”
“A good citizen and a self-respecting would never be so crazy as to put his life at risk for fleeting seconds of sick sensation.”
In August, the Saudi cabinet approved proposals to increase traffic fines and prison terms for violators.
Under the new rules, first-time drifters will have to pay 20,000 riyals and will be referred to a court. Their vehicle will be impounded for 15 days.
However, a repeat offender will have to pay 40,000 riyals and referred to the court while the vehicle is impounded for one month.
A third-time drifter will pay 60,000 riyals and will have his vehicle confiscated. The violator could be forced to pay a fine if he uses for a rented or stolen car.
Prior to the announcement of the new set of fines, violators paid 1,000 riyals for a first violation, 1,500 riyals for a second violation and 2,000 riyals for the third violation.
Fahad, another user, said that he was concerned drifters would not be deterred by the new laws announced recently.
“The laws should punish the drifters, send them to prison for at least one year, confiscate their cars, ban them from driving for two years, and jail passengers and watchers. That seems to be the only way to get rid of them,” he posted.
