A Surge of Fatal Road Accidents Turns Ramadan Into a Nightmarish Tragedy
Since a few days ago, deadly accidents have multiplied on our roads, turning the virtuous and spiritual happiness associated with the holy month of Ramadan into a true macabre nightmare. The victims are families waiting for their loved ones to break the fast.
The Latest Tragedy
The most recent disaster occurred on Thursday evening on the X20 highway in Tunis, when a collective taxi collided with a private car. The crash claimed the life of an administrative magistrate who, regardless of his official position, had left a strong imprint on those around him. His death reminds us that every life is precious and that each preventable loss on the road brings only grief and desolation.
Public Outcry on Social Media
La Presse – Throughout the night, netizens erupted on social networks, especially on the widely‑followed page “IFM Info Trafic.” They highlighted several irregularities, including:
- The dangerous behaviour and total impunity of collective‑taxi drivers
- The lack of presence and intervention by traffic officers
- High‑speed driving just minutes before the breaking of the fast
- General disrespect for traffic laws and the Highway Code
While it would be unfair to generalise—there are responsible and serious drivers among the collective‑taxi community—the fact that these vehicles, praised for their speed and social role in filling public‑transport gaps, are repeatedly involved in accidents makes them prime suspects and primary culprits of daily road catastrophes.
Why the Recklessness?
Many of these drivers act as if they own the road, taking uncalculated and unjustified risks that lead to irreversible damage. Numerous calls have been made to deter them and to show no leniency, as safety and the well‑being of others are at stake.
However, singling out only collective‑taxi drivers would be inaccurate; deadly road danger is not their exclusive domain. Heavy‑truck accidents also cause tragic losses, often due to driver fatigue or insufficient safety measures.
Recall the truck that “jumped” off the Avenue de la République bridge just a week ago, ending its trajectory in front of the La Poste building, breaking the steel guardrail but, fortunately, causing no casualties. On the same day, two other trucks triggered accidents on the city’s outskirts, creating massive traffic jams.
Other Dangerous Behaviours
- Young drivers of high‑displacement motorcycles who treat city arteries like a rally, endangering themselves and other road users.
- Drivers who run the wrong way on the opposite lane’s shoulder simply to avoid a short detour or to save a few minutes—minutes that can become fatal.
Is This Phenomenon Unique to Tunisia?
No. The issue is neither new nor exclusive to Tunisia; only the scale differs, reflecting a broader mindset and a deficit of civility among some road users. This attitude can become contagious and dangerous, despite the presence of good‑behaving citizens and police interventions that cannot be deployed at every corner and every turn.
Ask a reckless driver why he behaved that way, and you’ll receive no explanation about his “selfishness,” “incivility,” or his perception of “living together” in a respectful society.
- A show‑off might brag about “covering 10 km in 5 minutes.”
- A poorly organised person may try to arrive on time at any cost, ignoring rush‑hour congestion and a possibly faulty vehicle.
These examples illustrate a near‑universal mindset linking cars, roads, and laws.
When the Law Is Enforced
Regular road users easily notice the slowdown of all vehicles when approaching a fixed radar, and they flash their headlights to oncoming traffic as a sign of “solidarity” when a mobile radar is deployed. In other words, for some, the law is respected only in the presence of police.
Plans are already underway to expand the use of cameras that automatically detect seat‑belt violations and mobile‑phone use while driving—both major contributors to accidents.
Institutional Efforts
The National Road Safety Observatory continues to multiply awareness campaigns, especially targeting youth during school holidays and periods of massive travel.
A Call to All Road Users
In our view, the greatest responsibility lies with every road user, who must return to the fundamentals:
- Treat the car as a means of transport, not as a tool for venting, entertainment, or vice.
- Understand that traffic rules are not meant to limit freedom but to ensure safe and comfortable use of public roads.
- Act responsibly, thinking of others as you think of yourself.
Otherwise, the “mechanics” of reckless driving will keep cutting lives short and feeding the “squadron of death.”
Keywords: Ramadan road accidents, collective taxi danger, traffic safety Tunisia, heavy‑truck crashes, traffic law enforcement, road safety campaigns, driver behaviour, traffic radar, seat‑belt compliance, mobile‑phone while driving.
