March 17 to 23, 2007

Presentation Topics

• Traffic Statistics in Saudi Arabia

• Major Causes of Traffic Accidents
• Driving Defensively
• Summary
Traffic Statistics

In Saudi Arabia, during the year 1426 H*

there were :
• 296,015 traffic accidents (811 per day)
• 34,441 injuries (94 per day)
• 5,982 deaths (16 per day)

* Ministry of Interior – Public Security Directorate General for Traffic

Traffic Accidents

350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
1422 1423 1424 1425 1426
Number of Injuries

35000

30000
25000
20000
15000

10000
5000
0
1422 1423 1424 1425 1426
Number of Fatalities

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
1422 1423 1424 1425 1426
Saudi Arabia vs. Others

• The ratio of injuries per traffic accident in

Saudi Arabia is 6 times the respective
international ratio.
• The severity of traffic accidents in Saudi
Arabia is very high.
• The rate of national product loss due to
traffic accidents is 4.7% in the Kingdom
compared to 1.7% in the U.S.
* http://ww.rt.gov.sa
Major Causes of Traffic Accidents

• Speeding
• Ignoring traffic rules and regulations
• Irresponsible/reckless driving
• Inexperienced drivers
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Driving distractions
• Adverse weather conditions
Speeding
Inexperienced or Young Drivers
Irresponsible/Reckless Driving
Ignoring Traffic Rules and Regulations
Poor Vehicle Maintenance

• Brakes and tires

• Lights and windows
• Horn
• Fluid levels
Adverse Weather Conditions
Driving Distractions

• Mobile phones
• Drinking or eating
• Emotional conversations with passengers
• Looking at yourself in the mirror
• Children playing in the car
Driving Distractions, continued

Drinking or eating while driving

Driving Distractions, continued

Emotional conversations with passengers

Driving Distractions, continued

Looking at yourself in the mirror

Driving Distractions, continued

Children in the car

Driving Defensively

Before driving away

make sure that your
vehicle is in good
mechanical
condition.
Driving Defensively, continued

Restrain children according to their age

and size
Driving Defensively, continued

Follow the posted

speed limit.

Before passing,
check all directions
and blind spots.
Driving Defensively, continued
Watch for:
• Other drivers’ mistakes.
• Road warning signs.
• Pedestrians, especially
kids.
• Cyclists and
motorcyclists.
Driving Defensively, continued

Share the road:

• Watch for other
drivers’ signals that
indicate their
intentions.
• Use proper signals
well in advance.
Driving Defensively, continued

• Keep a safe distance

from the vehicle ahead
of you.
• Adjust your speed to
road and weather
conditions.
Driving Defensively, continued

• Don’t drive under the influence of

medication.
• Stay calm behind the wheel no matter
what others are doing.
• Avoid distractions.
Summary

• Traffic accidents claim many lives each

year on the Kingdom’s road.
• Speeding and ignoring traffic rules and
regulations are the two major causes of
these accidents.
• Learn to drive defensively to avoid a traffic
accident and be safe.
• Your life is precious. Protect it!