Earlier this week, a Snapchat video capturing a horrific fatal car accident in Saudi Arabia went viral on social media. 

The footage was recorded by the passenger seated next to the driver and sees the men dancing to a song playing in the car. 

A few seconds later, both men are heard screaming before the video ends. 

According to Khaleej times, "one of the men was instantly killed in the crash while the other was rushed to [the] intensive care unit with serious life-threatening injuries." 

A few reports that are now circulating online stated that the injured victim has also passed away. 

Soon after the video went viral online, it sparked debate among social media users and led Tweeps to launch the "I won't use my mobile when I am driving" hashtag.  

The hashtag continues to trend on Twitter

Many prayed for the victims of the car accident

"May God have mercy on their souls and may He grant their families patience."

The incident led thousands to call for change

"Lives are being lost because of Snapchat videos or WhatsApp messages. We need to come to our senses, this is extremely alarming."

"There's no such thing as an urgent text message or call when you're driving"

People shared their own experiences

"I tried to stop using my mobile phone while driving because I know how dangerous that is, but I keep failing when it comes to breaking the habit."   

Others called on authorities to take more serious action

"Nothing is going to stop people from using their mobile phones while driving except harsh punishments. Raising awareness won't lead to change."

78 percent of car accidents are caused by mobile phone use

According to Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Traffic, "the use of mobile phones while driving is the main cause in 78 percent of road accidents recorded in the country." 

Car accidents are considered one of the major causes of death in the kingdom. 

In 2016, 9,000 car accident fatalities - a number that translates to 12 percent of the total deaths - were recorded. 

In light of these alarming figures, the kingdom majorly increased fines for reckless drivers. 

Under the new rules, first-time offenders now face minimum fines of 20,000 Saudi riyals ($5,332), compared to 1,000 ($266) and 2,000 ($533) Saudi riyals previously. Penalties shoot up even more dramatically for repeat offenders. 

In 2010, "The Saher," an automated system for the management of traffic via e-systems using cameras in major cities was introduced. 

The system has reduced the severity of traffic accident injuries by 20 percent and brought down mortality rates by 37.8 percent.