Road traffic accidents in Asir region, Saudi Arabia: Pattern and prevention

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at identifying the pattern and magnitude of road traffic accidents in Asir Region-the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from Asir Region main traffic office. The records of road traffic accidents for 3 years, 1989-1991, were reviewed. The pattern of accidents in Asir in the last year [1991] was compared with those in the different regions of the kingdom in the same year. Data were presented and analysed using statistical tests such as X[2] and confidence intervals. In all, 2867 road traffic accidents were recorded in the study period involving 4000 vehicles. The individuals involved were 7759 persons of whom 61.7% were injured, 11.3% died and 26.5% sustained no injury. The accident severity rates in Asir Region were generally higher than those in other regions of the kingdom. and recommendation This study revealed that road traffic accidents are an important problem in Asir Region. This was confirmed by the high accident fatality and injury rates. Several factors such as speeding and the age of drivers were considered as contributing variables for those high rates. Although the traffic records cover many points they missed some important items such as use of seat belts and the educational level of drivers. Based on the results some recommendations were made to minimize the occurrence and consequences of road traffic accidents