The Saudi Ministry of Interior and its security sectors have been working diligently to enhance traffic safety in the country, with the aim of reducing the occurrence of accidents. By strengthening adherence to traffic rules on main roads, squares, and intersections, the Ministry has managed to decrease road accident deaths by 50%. In an effort to further improve safety on external roads, more than 11 centers have been established to manage security and safety, with over 1,100 km of roads being patrolled by security personnel and vehicles equipped with modern technologies. These efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in road accident deaths, with the number of cases decreasing from 28.8 cases per 100,000 people in 2016 to about 13 cases in 2023, and continuing to decrease in 2024.
The Ministry of Interior has also identified the highest-risk external roads and set operational performance indicators to further reduce deaths on these roads. By covering external roads around the clock and activating electronic security systems with a response time not exceeding 10 minutes, the Ministry has been able to achieve a 25.9% decrease in deaths during the first 9 months of 2024 compared to the previous year. These efforts reflect the Ministry’s commitment to prioritizing traffic safety and saving lives on the roads in Saudi Arabia.
In addition to strengthening security measures on external roads, the Ministry of Interior has been working in collaboration with traffic safety committees in the regions to enhance traffic safety through joint and strategic projects with government and private agencies. By instilling values and addressing wrong behaviors while driving, the Ministry aims to raise awareness among society and vehicle drivers regarding the importance of traffic safety. These initiatives are in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create a safer environment for all road users and reduce the number of accidents on the roads in the country.
The Ministry’s efforts to enhance traffic safety have been met with success, as evidenced by the decrease in road accident deaths in Saudi Arabia. By focusing on enforcing traffic rules, implementing modern technologies, and working collaboratively with various stakeholders, the Ministry has been able to make significant strides in reducing the number of deaths on the roads. These efforts are crucial in achieving the overarching goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users in the country, and are aligned with the broader vision of Saudi Vision 2030 to create a safer and more sustainable transportation system.
Moving forward, the Ministry of Interior will continue to prioritize traffic safety and work towards further reducing road accidents in Saudi Arabia. By implementing targeted measures on high-risk external roads, enhancing security and safety protocols, and collaborating with key stakeholders, the Ministry aims to build a culture of safe and responsible driving in the country. Through these efforts, the Ministry is committed to creating a safer environment for all road users and reducing the number of road accident deaths, ultimately contributing to a more secure and sustainable transportation system in Saudi Arabia.