Unsafe rides in Sidi Yahia: Why taxi drivers reject seatbelt rules

In Sidi Yahia, an unusual and concerning practice has taken root among taxi drivers: prohibiting passengers from wearing seatbelts. Despite this being in clear violation of traffic laws, the habit has become widespread, raising alarm among road safety advocates and residents alike.

A local resident, Mohamed B., shared his experience: “When I got into a taxi and tried to put on my seatbelt, the driver immediately told me to take it off, saying it might attract police attention.” This reasoning highlights a misunderstanding of traffic regulations and reflects a broader mistrust toward law enforcement.

Some taxi drivers defend this practice with arguments rooted in tradition and personal pride. “Wearing a seatbelt is like saying I don’t know how to drive. My clients trust me. I’ve never had an accident,” explained one driver, who has been working in the city for over two decades. For him, and others like him, the seatbelt is seen not as a safety measure but as a symbol of doubt in their driving skills.

Road safety experts, however, strongly reject this mindset. They emphasize that seatbelt use dramatically reduces the risk of severe injuries in accidents. A police officer, speaking anonymously, clarified: “The law is explicit—seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, including backseat passengers. Failing to comply not only carries fines but also endangers lives.”

Despite these risks, resistance to seatbelt use remains entrenched, driven in part by low public awareness and lax enforcement of traffic laws. Some passengers, though aware of the dangers, admit they comply with drivers’ demands to avoid confrontation. “I know it’s risky, but I don’t want to argue with the driver, so I just go along with it,” said Najat, a regular taxi user in the city.

This growing disregard for basic safety measures has sparked calls for action from local residents. Many are urging authorities to step up enforcement and launch public awareness campaigns to address this troubling trend. Such initiatives are seen as essential to fostering safer practices and protecting lives on the roads of Sidi Yahia.