Road Safety Resources

• Tailgating is an unsafe act that involves following another vehicle too closely and is prohibited in KAUST.
• A safe driver maintains a safe following distance of at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
• Tailgating is dangerous because it increases the chance of a collision should the other driver brake suddenly.
• Do not follow an emergency vehicle too closely. Maintain a distance of at least 15 meters (49 feet) behind emergency vehicles or more if needed.

• Drivers of vehicles traveling behind alternative modes of transport must give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly.
• When passing another road user, drivers should keep a safe distance between the vehicle and the other road user, including e-scooters and bicyclists. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is recommended.
• Apply extra caution during inclement weather and increase the distance between yourself and other road users.

Please share KAUST roads responsibly, and thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.
For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa.

• One-way, counterclockwise system for vehicles in the outer lane of the roads around TKS.
• A dedicated two-way cycle/micro-mobility (for bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters) lane in the inner lane on the roads around TKS. All other modes of transport, including gas scooters and golf carts, must only use the outer vehicle lane.
• Nakhil Lane, between TKS and the Gardens Daycare/ECC3/FCSC, is closed to all vehicle traffic. The road remains open as a cycle/micro-mobility lane.
• The speed limit has reduced to 30km/h. Remember, the posted speed is a maximum, not a target.

• Plan alternative routes, whenever possible, to avoid this area. An alternative route may take longer but will be safer.
• Be patient and plan ahead. Drivers may need to wait behind a bus or other stationary vehicle. The cycle/micro-mobility lane cannot be used by vehicles to overtake.
• Slow down, when driving a vehicle in this area. Over 1,000 cycles/micro-mobility devices use this area every school day and cross in and out of other roads to get to the cycle/micro-mobility lane.
• Consider an alternative form of transportation, other than a vehicle, when taking children to/from TKS.
• Be cautious and be aware of children going in and out of the cycle/micro-mobility lane at random places, since they will cross where it’s most convenient for their destination.
• Parking spots that are now in the cycle/micro-mobility lane can no longer be used for drop-off or parking. If it is essential that you drive your children to school, plan where you can safely stop.

• Users of the two-way cycle/micro-mobility lane might have to stop to yield to oncoming traffic before they can join the lane.
• Parents need to ensure their children understand how to use the cycle/micro-mobility lane before the school term starts. Remind them that it’s two way and they will need to check that both lanes are clear before entering the cycle/micro-mobility lane. They also need to check behind them before crossing the outer vehicle lane.

Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.
For more road safety information, please visit the KAUST Road Safety Code, or contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa.

• Avoid multitasking while driving. Tasks such as adjusting mirrors, selecting music, eating, making phone calls, or reading texts and emails should be completed before or after your trip.
• Try using an app to help reduce distractions while driving.

• If you are a passenger in a car with a driver who is not fully focused on driving, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask them to concentrate on the road.
• You can help minimize distractions for the driver by offering to assist with navigation or other tasks.

• Please have a conversation with your children about safe driving, including the rules of the road and responsibilities they need to follow.
• Make sure they understand that driving requires their full attention and that distractions, like texts and phone calls, can wait until they arrive at their destination.

As a role model, set an example by keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel while driving.

End distracting driving, and thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe! For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa.

• Please park your vehicle in the designated parking areas, facing the direction of traffic.
• Please refrain from parking in areas that could obstruct or impede Emergency Services, as well as those with signposts or road markings that prohibit parking, including areas marked in yellow paint.
• Parking a vehicle in areas where it could pose a danger to others is not allowed, for example:
  • On alternative vehicle routes, including bicycle lanes.
  • Places designated for a specific type of vehicle, such as emergency and delivery vehicles, buses, taxis, golf carts, etc.
  • Where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.
• It is strictly prohibited for drivers to leave a child who is under 10 years old or any animal alone in a vehicle, and they are responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is not used without authorization.
• Please do not leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
• It is important to avoid parking on pavements or sidewalks to prevent any harm or danger to pedestrians.

• Drivers and riders must not stop their vehicles in an area that will prevent or hinder the free flow of traffic or cause a safety hazard. Stopping, standing or parking is not allowed in specific places which may be signposted, for example:
  • On a sidewalk, crosswalk, or within an intersection.
  • In a marked cycle lane.
  • Beside or to the opposite of any street excavation or obstruction if the vehicle blocks traffic.
  • Where road markings are yellow.
  • Some parking areas may have spaces equipped with charging stations for golf carts and electric vehicles. Only golf carts and electric vehicles are allowed to park in these designated spaces.
• Parking in front of an emergency exit door or other emergency or life-saving equipment, such as a fire extinguisher and AED, is not allowed in KAUST.

• Parking for people with disabilities is indicated with road markings or signposts.
• Only vehicles displaying an official disability permit issued by KAUST Security or by the KSA government may use spaces reserved for people with disabilities.
• The authorized holder of the disability permit must be present and enter or exit the vehicle when the parking privileges are being used.

Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe! For more information about the traffic laws on KAUST roads, please visit the KAUST Road Safety Code.For questions or comments, please contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa.

• Drivers should look for these signs when driving long and short distances. When experiencing any of the fatigue signs, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and rest.
  • Continuous yawning
  • Slow reactions and trouble concentrating
  • Eyes that feel stiff and heavy
  • You find you are daydreaming
  • The vehicle wanders over the center line or onto the edge of the road
• If you must stop for a rest, stop at a designated rest area or parking lot. Pulling off to the side of the road usually is not advisable to sleep. After you rest, leave the vehicle and walk for a few minutes to be completely awake before you begin to drive again.

• Avoid driving while feeling exhausted or drowsy, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when the attentiveness of some motorists drops due to the change in eating and sleeping habits.
• Share the driving – and rest when you are not driving.
• Plan for long trips so you know where to take a break.
• Take a break at least every two hours on long journeys.
• If necessary, plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey.
• Avoid driving when you usually fall asleep (early mornings and late nights).

• All road users must stay alert — fasting and non-fasting – especially vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists) must watch out for vehicular traffic, including alternative modes of transport such as e-scooters.

Please watch this short video about Driver Tiredness, Fatigue and Road Safety (Source: Arrive Alive)

Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.
For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa.

• When a school bus has stopped and has the STOP arm extended, approaching road users must not overtake the bus.
• Vehicles approaching the bus from the opposite direction must come to a complete stop and may only proceed when the STOP arm is retracted, and it is safe to do so.
• Vehicles must give way to pedestrians crossing the road to or from the bus.
• Take particular care and look out for young children who may run out from behind the bus into the road or across the street to catch the bus.

• Caregivers must supervise young children to stay clear of the road.
• Stay alert – avoid using mobile devices and wearing earbuds when crossing roads.
• Stand away from the sidewalk or pavement while waiting for the bus.
• Cross in front of the bus – and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus.

Please watch the short video that shows what actions drivers must take when the STOP arm is extended.

Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.
For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa.

• Bicycles, E-Bikes, E-Scooters (Manual, Electrically Powered)
• Child safety seats
• Driving license requirements
• Emergency vehicles
• Insurance
• Road traffic accidents, Incidents and Reporting
• School zones and School buses
• Speed limits
• Vehicle categories
• Traffic violations, Fines and Penalty Points

The new Road Safety Code that will go into effect on March 12, 2023, can be viewed here.

It is important to note the existing policyis in force through March 11, 2023. We encourage you to participate in upcoming educational sessions that will be announced soon and review the educational information on specific aspects of the Road Safety Code as it is released. If you have any questions, HSE is here to support you. Please contact us at hse@kaust.edu.sa, and thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.

• A defensive driver maintains a safe following distance of at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead and at least doubles that when there are adverse weather and road conditions, for example, during rain and sand storms. Trucks and larger vehicles may need to increase their safe following distance further.
• When traveling behind alternative modes of transport, such as e-scooters and bicycles, a driver must give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Also, apply extra caution during inclement weather.
• When passing another road user, drivers of cars, trucks, and larger vehicles should keep a safe distance between the vehicle and the other road user, including e-scooters and bicyclists. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is recommended.
• Tailgating is an unsafe act that involves following another vehicle too closely and is prohibited in KAUST. A
• Drivers and riders must keep a reasonable following distance to safely stop in an emergency, for example, if the vehicle ahead of them stops suddenly.
• Do not follow an emergency vehicle too closely. Maintain a distance of at least 15 meters (49 feet) behind emergency vehicles or more if needed.

Please watch this short video about safe following distances.

Source: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.saThank you for Keeping KAUST Safe!

• Always look out for other road users, and be careful when reversing, turning, or changing directions or lanes.
• When passing another road user, drivers should keep a safe distance between the vehicle and the other road user, including e-scooters and bicyclists. A minimum distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is recommended.
• When traveling behind alternative modes of transport, such as e-scooters and bicycles, a driver must give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly. Also, apply extra caution during inclement weather.

• Yield to pedestrians and ride with extreme caution, especially when riding near pedestrians, such as on the Campus, Spine, Harbor area, and School Zones.
• E-scooters can be used in cycle lanes, on KAUST roads, and the Campus Spine, but do not ride inside buildings, Campus Utility tunnels, sidewalks, footpaths, and Discovery Square.
• When encountering pedestrians, drive more cautiously, travel at low speed, and YIELD to pedestrians. When approaching a pedestrian crossing, exercise extra vigilance, especially at night.
• Stay alert when approaching, entering, and exiting car parking areas.
• When noticing any dangerous situation, reduce your speed and proceed with caution when it is safe.
• Be visible on KAUST roads to other road users.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and keep to the right-hand side of the road.
• Allow only one person to ride an e-scooter at a time.
• Avoid stopping or parking in areas that will prevent or hinder the free flow of traffic, cause a safety hazard, or obstruct safety or lifesaving equipment such as fire extinguishers and automatic defibrillators (AEDs).
• Wear an approved, securely fastened bicycle helmet that conforms to international safety standards.

Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe! For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa

At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. A pedestrian is a person on foot or using a conveyance propelled by human power (skates, skateboard) other than a bicycle. Pedestrians include people with disabilities who use powered devices like self-propelled wheelchairs, tricycles, or quad bicycles. People walk for many different reasons, including relaxation and exercise, and the benefits of walking extend beyond personal and physical benefits to environmental benefits, that can lead to healthier, quieter and safer streets. In addition, walking can help improve overall health, and many adults include walking as part of a physically active lifestyle1. KAUST is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all people who live and work at KAUST. In support of the Traffic and Vehicle Safety Policy, the following safety tips are provided to the University community to promote safe walking.

• Avoid distracted walking and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk and text or talk on the phone; if you need to text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk to text where it is safe.
• Before crossing, follow the KAUST Cross Code: Stop, look and listen. Look both ways, and check that there is no traffic before crossing the road. Click here to learn more about crossing roads safely.
• Be visible to other road users by wearing light colored and high-visibility reflective clothing.
• Never assume that you have been seen – many disturbances might attract the motorist’s attention, including a low sun in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Watch out – make eye contact to be sure car drivers and riders of e-scooters and bikes can see you!
• Do not walk and stop halfway across the road – remain beside the road until both lanes are clear for you to cross safely.

• Don’t speed in KAUST. Remember, a slower speed is a safer speed.
• Drive extra carefully in neighborhoods, schools, and anywhere pedestrians might be and use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as night-time or bad weather.
• When driving, stay focused. Put down your phone. Slow your speed. Yield to pedestrians.
• From dusk to dawn and in other circumstances when visibility is inadequate (e.g., during bad weather), drivers must use vehicle headlamps to increase their visibility.
• Before reversing, ensure visibility and clear vision. Check side-to-side clearance, and scan around the vehicle for hazards and obstructions. Watch out for pedestrians, especially small children.
• If your vehicle is fitted with technologies, like backup cameras, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking systems, use these features to keep pedestrians safe.
• Enter and exit driveways carefully. Watch out for pedestrians, especially small children.

Please watch this short video on Walking Safely(Source: United States Department of Transportation)
Walk safely, and thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe!
For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.sa

In Health, Safety and Environment, our commitment is to protect our most precious resources of people, environment and assets to build resilience and a risk management culture within KAUST. Because we are deeply committed to KAUST, we recognize the importance of sharing safe road behaviors with our community to keep everyone thriving in a safe workplace and community.
Safely reversing a vehicle is critical for the driver, passengers, and people in the area who share the road or utilize nearby sidewalks (other motorists, cyclists, pedestrians). Vehicle operators in KAUST can ensure their safety and the safety of those around their vehicle by following eight safety steps for reversing:

1. Where possible, plan to limit the distance and need to reverse.
2. Ensure visibility and clear vision. Inside the vehicle, check behind, adjust the seat properly, check mirror adjustment, fasten your safety belt and start the engine.
3. Before reversing, ensure visibility and clear vision. Check side-to-side clearance, and scan around the vehicle for hazards and obstructions. Watch out for pedestrians, especially small children, other road users and animals.
4. Reverse using a slow speed while staying alert to vehicle and people traffic and blind spots.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to begin reversing. Turn your body and look through the rear window—re-check side clearance. Stay alert and avoid distractions.
6. Use safety devices if your vehicle is fitted with them, such as back up cameras.
7. Come to a complete stop before turning to face forward.
8. Reverse into parking spots rather than exit in reverse where possible.

Anyone who sees a vehicle reversing should be aware that the driver’s visibility may be limited and should keep clear of the vehicle.
Please watch the short video above which summarizes the steps for safe reversing. (source: ArriveAlive.co.za)

For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.saThank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.

Mobile communication devices, including mobile phones, are tools that enhance business communication and increase personal convenience. But unfortunately, many research studies suggest that using mobile devices while driving has become a road safety concern worldwide because it causes driving distraction. Distraction occurs when, for example, drivers have to operate their mobile phones and operate their vehicle simultaneously and divert part of their attention from driving to the telephone conversation.
Furthermore, research data1 shows that driver reaction times are 50% slower when using a mobile phone while driving. At KAUST, to avoid distracted driving, the Traffic and Vehicle Safety Policy requires all vehicle operators (including cyclists) to refrain from using handheld mobile phones or other mobile devices while driving or cycling unless it is completely hands-free or in a mounting affixed to the vehicle. Despite this, we still see noncompliance in KAUST. The Security Department issued 24 violations for using a mobile phone while driving since January of this year.

• Using mobile phones while driving is dangerous and causes drivers to be distracted. Distracted drivers have an increased risk of causing crashes, injuries, and even fatalities. Visual-manual cell phone interaction triples drivers’ odds of involvement in a road departure crash. It raises a driver’s odds of rear-ending the vehicle in front by more than seven2.
• Visual-manual tasks (particularly texting) are associated with an increased crash risk3.
• Research shows that when using a mobile phone while driving, the risk of being involved in a crash is four times greater than usual.
• When driving and text messaging, drivers can spend more time with their eyes off the road than when they are not texting4.
• Research also shows a risk of collision using handheld and hands-free mobile phones5.

• Don’t use your mobile phone or other mobile devices while operating a vehicle, including alternative modes of transport, for example, bicycles and e-scooters.
• Avoid distracted driving. Operators of vehicles should proceed to a safe area and safely park their vehicle before making or accepting a call.
• Check a map or GPS before setting off so you know the directions to your destination.
• Be an example of exemplary safe road behaviors. Don’t use mobile phones or other mobile devices while driving.
• Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. We appeal to our Community to hold themselves accountable and if you have a team, hold them responsible too.
• Have conversations with your family, friends and colleagues about safe road behaviors and why it matters.

For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.saThank you for not using your mobile phone while driving and for Keeping KAUST Safe!

One of the safest choices that drivers and passengers can make is to wear their seatbelts – to buckle up. For adults and older children (who are tall enough for seatbelts to fit properly), seatbelt use is one of the most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes1.

• Using a seatbelt helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas not buckling up can result in being ejected from the vehicle in a crash, which can cause severe injury or even be fatal.
• Airbags alone are not enough to protect you during a crash.
• If you’re pregnant, use these seat belt recommendations for drivers and passengers (nhtsa.gov)2

• A seatbelt securely fastens a person to a car seat to prevent injury. Use a seatbelt even if the vehicle is equipped with airbags.
• The vehicle’s driver is accountable for ensuring that all passengers wear seatbelts. Penalties apply.
• The seatbelt must be in good working order and worn by the driver and all vehicle occupants while the car is moving (excluding scooters and motorcycles).
• Improperly wearing a seatbelt, such as putting the strap below your arm, puts you and your passengers at risk in a crash.
• Children and infants must be seated in a child restraint seat with a seatbelt as appropriate for their size and weight that is positioned and installed as per manufacturer guidelines.
• Children and infants riding in an affixed child bicycle seat or bicycle trailer/buggy must be firmly secured in a safety harness.

• An age-appropriate child safety seat must be used to transport a child in a car.
• For golf carts, ensure that an age-appropriate child car seat is used that is securely fastened to the existing seat.
• Having your child sit in a properly installed seat, appropriate for their age, could help protect the child and reduce the risk of suffering from serious injuries in road accidents.
• Children under the age of 10 years must not ride in the car’s front seat, unless there is no rear seat in the car.
• For child safety seats, KAUST has aligned with KSA requirements, which state the following:

Please watch the short video on how to wear a seatbelt properly.

Remember to buckle up and thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.
For questions or comments, please contacthse@kaust.edu.sa

At KAUST, all drivers using KAUST roads must hold a valid license meeting the requirements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Anyone with a KSA driving license qualifies to operate a golf cart or scooter in KAUST. Additionally, Health, Safety, & Environment (HSE) will provide driving permits for scooters and golf carts to our residents over 17 years old who do not have a KSA driving license. KAUST residents who are 17 years and older and who wish to obtain a scooter or golf cart permit need to follow the Driving Permit Program page on the HSE website.

Operators of all vehicle classes are reminded to present a valid driving license meeting KSA requirements or KAUST Driving Permit to Security on request. Drivers are responsible for carrying their driving licenses with them either electronically or in hard copy.

The posted speed limit is not the target speed, but rather the highest rate of speed allowed in that particular area. Sometimes, it is necessary to reduce speed further for the road conditions. For example, slow down and reduce your speed when:

• Approaching a pedestrian crossing. Extra vigilance is required at night.
• You see pedestrians, especially small children and workers, on the side of the road. Also, be aware of animals.
• Driving in the vicinity of schools. Be observant and cautious when students are entering or existing schools.
• Driving behind cyclists and e-scooters. E-scooters typically don't have turn signals or brake lights.
• Approaching, entering and exiting car parking areas.

Finally, have conversations about road safety and encourage others not to speed. Thank you for not speeding and for Keeping KAUST Safe! For questions or comments, please contact hse@kaust.edu.sa

• driving without a valid driving license,
• speeding,
• not stopping on STOP,
• failing to use seatbelts (including passengers),
• using handheld mobile devices while driving.

If the traffic violation is currently taking place, it should be reported immediately to 012-808-091. Alternatively it can be reported to the Security Department by filling out the Traffic Complaint form. It is important to provide accurate information when filling out the form, which will help Security to follow-up and investigate. Omitting information or providing inaccurate information can impede the investigation.
A new function on MyGA under ‘Traffic Violations’ has been introduced, providing a direct link to the Traffic Complaint form.
Thank you for Keeping KAUST Safe.