Annual cost of traffic accidents SR20bn

Road safety experts say that traffic accidents cost the Kingdom more than SR20 billion annually.
They said that tailgating (driving too closely behind another vehicle) was the main reason for traffic accidents. In such a situation, the driver cannot stop the car completely or even slow down and so his car crashes into the one in front of him.
Analytical studies have shown that 90 percent of traffic accidents are caused by the driver himself. His knowledge of the driving laws and his commitment to road safety measures can save him from the risks and hazards of the road.
Any neglect or complacency in driving, using a mobile phone, speeding and eating while driving are among the major reasons for most traffic accidents.
Young activists demanded the dissemination of information pertaining to maintaining a safe distance between vehicles of not less than 4 meters. This is what is usual for motorists in the United States and Europe.
The experts also mentioned that there are certain drivers’ habits which are not traffic violations but can be regarded as traffic culture. An example of this is how young men cooperate with each other to alert other drivers by flashing their headlights that a speed-monitoring camera is near.
Not long ago, the Disabled Children’s Association launched a campaign, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Traffic to raise awareness of traffic safety regulations and promote community awareness of traffic laws and motivate the public to abide by them.
The initiative followed the increasing numbers of traffic accidents and their negative impact on the individual, the family and the community. Traffic accidents cost the national economy more than SR20 billion annually.
The areas affected are health care, medical compensations, the loss of productive members of society, fewer work hours and a smaller work force, not to mention the sufferings and resulting problems.
About 30 percent of patients in hospital are traffic accident casualties.
Official figures also show that 80 percent of registered physical handicaps are the results of traffic accidents. In addition, there are approximately 40,000 injuries a year resulting from traffic accidents.
Source: Arab News