Drivers using mobile while driving face jail

Motorists using mobile phones while driving in Saudi Arabia will be jailed in they repeat the offence as part of a new traffic law intended to curb accidents.

A royal decree asked the traffic police to fine people caught using mobile phones while driving and arrest those who repeat the offence.

“Such offences pose a threat to the public…those who repeat the offence will be arrested and referred to court under a new royal order,” Sabq newspaper said.

Saudi Arabia, the largest Arab economy, has one of the world’s highest traffic accident rates, with such accidents standing at 162,000 in the first four months of 2014.

The accidents killed 2,434 people, a daily average of around 20. They also resulted in nearly 12,200 injuries, according to police data.