Man arrested for jumping in front of truck

Saudi Arabian police track down man after video of stunt went viral on social media

Police in Saudi Arabia have arrested a man who jumped in front of a truck as part of a dangerous stunt.

The Saudi suspect, according to the General Directorate of Traffic, was arrested on charges of endangering the lives of other road users.

Soon after the reckless stunt was carried out late last week, a video of the Saudi man went viral across social networking sites in the region.

In the video, the man can be seen standing on top of his car at the side of a highway in Medina.

The man then suddenly jumps in front of a speeding truck, surprising the driver and forcing him to swerve abruptly.

Traffic Police soon launched an investigation to identify the suspect and by last Sunday, the man was referred to the Public Prosecution.

Harsh penalties

Officials in the Gulf have recently taken a stance against reckless stunts that can endanger the lives of those who perform dangerous stunts, as well as those around them.

In 2016, the Saudi cabinet increased traffic fines for drifters.

Under the amended rules, first-time offenders will be slapped with a fine of 20,000 riyals (Dh19,580) and their vehicle will be impounded for 15 days.

Offenders caught the second time will have to pay 40,000 riyals (Dh39,160) and the vehicle will be impounded for one month.

A third-time drifter will face the hefty penalty of 60,000 riyals (Dh58,740) and have his vehicle confiscated.