BMG Foundation Launches Second Edition of ‘Safe Driving, Life Saving' Campaign in Saudi Arabia

Jeddah-Saudi Arabia: 24 February, 2014 -  BMG Foundation, a non-profit organization that has supported needy credible organizations in Saudi Arabia, the UK and other countries for over 10 years, has launched the second edition of its ‘Safe Driving, Life Saving’ (SDLS) campaign in conjunction with Al Faisal University.

As part of the second edition of the campaign, university students across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region have been invited to participate in a contest to design comprehensive creative on responsible driving. A panel of experts will select the best three projects out of the 12 that receive the highest votes from social media users. The winners will be generously awarded during the GCC Polo Cup in the UK, in an all-expense paid trip.
 
The campaign’s launch ceremony was attended by senior faculty members including Dr. Faisal Al Mubarak, President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Khaled Al Qattan, Dean - Faculty of Medicine, as well as managers and students from various universities in Riyadh.
 
Senior management members of the sponsors of this campaign were also present to demonstrate their support to the initiative. Ali Hussein Ali Riza, Chairman of Haji Hussein Alireza & Co ltd. spoke about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of spreading awareness about road safety, while Mashaal Karam, CEO, United Cooperative Insurance Co. highlighted the top reasons behind most dangerous car crashes. Samer R. Al-Rayyan, Assistant General Manager, Personal Banking, Saudi Investment Bank, emphasized the importance of concentrating on the road while driving instead of the smartphone or any other device in hand. Faisal Naamani General Manager, Digital Gateway, gave a brief presentation on how to participate in the competition. Abdul Majeed Al Theyab represented Ayman Tamer, Chairman, Tamer Group, during the launch ceremony.

This event along with the other annual high profile events organized by the Foundation, including the GCC Polo Cup, BMG Foundation Classics and the Diplomacy of Art exhibitions have been excellent opportunities for the public and private sector leaders to join forces in supporting the Foundation’s mission.
 
Basil Ghalayini, Chairman, of BMG Foundation, thanked Al Faisal University, and stressed the importance of joining hands with academic institutions to have their students stimulate their talents and create the most impactful awareness campaigns, to reduce the incidence of road fatalities in the region.
Dr. Faisal Al Mubarak, Head for Academic Affairs, Al Faisal University, said that the academic institution will throw its might behind the initiative to ensure its reach among the youth.
 
Statistics issued by the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia indicate that the country has witnessed more than 485,000 traffic accidents in the past two decades, resulting in nearly 6,000 deaths - an average of 20 people lose their lives every day in traffic accidents on the roads of Saudi Arabia. According to the figures, traffic accidents are the primary cause of death of young men between the ages of 16 and 36 years.
 
The rampant menace of reckless driving and the high death-toll inspired BMG Foundation to roll-out the ‘Safe Driving, Life Saving’ campaign. Drawing the support of academicians, sponsors and the community at large, this initiative helps educate the youth on responsible driving techniques and the importance of road safety in ensuring public well-being.