The National Strategic Plan for Traffic Safety in Saudi Arabia highlighted the significant cost of traffic accidents in the country, estimated at SR20,196,912,833. A study by researcher Hassan Mohammed found that managing traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia in 2013 cost around SR41,901,122,606, reflecting physical and psychological damage. Traffic safety specialist Abdul Hamid Al-Moajil stated that the overall cost of accidents in Saudi Arabia for 2013 was approximately SR54.9 billion, representing 4.3% of the country’s GDP. He emphasized the importance of traffic safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of individuals and property.
The three main pillars of traffic safety are the vehicle, road infrastructure, and the human element. Al-Moajil stressed the need for strategic planning, adequate budget allocation, good governance, and community awareness to achieve traffic safety goals. He highlighted that the costs of traffic accidents have negative economic impacts, affecting both individuals and society as a whole. These costs include direct expenses such as medical treatments, damage to property, and managing accidents, as well as indirect costs like lost national output and decrease in per capita income.
Al-Moajil pointed out that indirect costs of traffic accidents also encompass social and psychological aspects, such as the impact on family income in cases of disability or death. Traffic congestion resulting from accidents, government subsidies for the affected, and other societal harms further contribute to the overall cost of accidents. He noted that globally, road traffic accidents lead to over 1.3 million fatalities and up to 50 million non-fatal injuries annually. Comparative studies have shown that the cost of traffic accidents varies between high-income countries and middle- or low-income countries, with implications for GDP.
Recent estimates put the total costs of traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia in 2018 at approximately SR76 billion, making up 2.88% of the country’s GDP. Direct costs accounted for 59.25% of the total accident costs, while indirect costs constituted 40.75%. The Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee and Minister of Health highlighted the progress made in reducing traffic accident deaths and injuries, resulting in a 50% decrease in fatalities and a 35% decrease in injury rates. This decrease is expected to lead to a corresponding decline in the costs associated with accidents.
The efforts to improve traffic safety in Saudi Arabia have shown promising results, with a significant reduction in accident-related fatalities and injuries. By implementing strategic measures and increasing awareness among the public, the country aims to further reduce the economic and social costs of traffic accidents. Continued focus on road safety initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and comprehensive planning can contribute to a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians. As the country continues to prioritize traffic safety, the overall cost of accidents is expected to decrease, benefiting both the economy and the well-being of its citizens.
