By Abeer Al-Fahd
Okaz/Saudi Gazette
RIYADH — A notorious joyrider died on Friday morning while pursuing his dangerous hobby in Riyadh.
His companion, who suffered serious injuries, has been admitted to a hospital.
A video clip of the terrible accident went viral on social media. It shows the vehicle colliding with roadside barriers.
The joyrider died on the spot.
Last month, the Kingdom announced a significant increase in penalties, such as traffic fines and stricter legislation, in the hope that that it will curb the phenomenon of drifting or joyriding.
New amendments to the traffic law code stipulate that a driver caught drifting on a first offense will receive a SR20,000 penalty, in addition to the car being impounded for 15 days. A second-time offender will be fined SR40,000 and referred to court to determine whether a prison sentence will be handed down.
A third time offender will see that fine increase to SR60,000 in addition to potential jail time and car being confiscated permanently.
Earlier, hot-rodder Ahmad Shitaiwi Al-Ruwaili announced his repentance for reckless driving stunts through a TV program in May 2014. But he returned to practicing the crazy hobby.
In March 2015, a Riyadh court sentenced him to prison for six years and 600 lashes of the whip after he caused the death of his companion.
He was also banned from driving for 10 years.
The Public Prosecutor at that time demanded the death sentence for Al-Ruwaili.
As to questions on how he got out of jail before completing his prison term, Brig. Gen. Ayoub Bin Nuhait, spokesman of the Kingdom’s prisons, said Al-Ruwaili’s jail term was commuted after he memorized several chapters of the Holy Qur’an.
