Saudi Arabia

Situation

Saudi Arabia

The number of people killed as a result of road traffic crashes is unacceptably high in Saudi Arabia, with up to 27.4* deaths per 100,000 population estimated by the World Health Organization. In fact, road traffic deaths have more than doubled in the past 10 years and incidence is predicted to continue increasing.

The country has adopted a range of road safety strategies to address key risk factors, which include implementing a penalty / demerit point system, ensuring motorcycle helmet laws apply to all riders (drivers and passengers), and that seat-belt laws extend to rear seat occupants. However, enforcement of these practices is moderate to poor. Drink-driving laws are also in effect, despite drinking being prohibited in Saudi Arabia.

(*WHO 2015)

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GRSP activities

Activities

Capacity building:
Supporting the planning and implementation of road safety programmes in Jeddah.

Programmes

EU MENA Programme

As part of the overall EuroMed regional project on Road, Rail, and Urban Transport programme, the 2011-2014 EU funded project aimed to contribute to the reduction of road crash death and injury in targeted countries and pilot communities.

Road user groups

Novice drivers:

Novice drivers are at high risk levels of participating in a road traffic crash due to lack of experience and common behavioral traits. The risk can be reduced through educational programmes and effective road policing, thus saving many lives on the road.

Children

With around 186 300 children under 18 years die from road traffic crashes annually, it is unacceptable that some countries still do not have legislation regarding obligatory usage and set safety standards for child restraints.