Answer:
Road crashes are a major public health issue in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with a high number of fatalities and injuries recorded each year. According to the World Health Organization, KSA has one of the highest road traffic death rates in the world, with an estimated 20 deaths per 100,000 population.
There are several risk factors associated with road crashes and injury severity in KSA. One of the main causes is reckless driving, which includes speeding, ignoring traffic signals, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other contributing factors include poor road infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, and a lack of awareness about road safety among drivers and pedestrians.
The magnitude of road accidents in KSA is significant, with thousands of fatalities and injuries reported each year. In 2019 alone, there were over 10,000 road traffic deaths and injuries, according to the General Directorate of Traffic.
To address these risk factors, several interventions have been implemented in KSA. One of the key strategies is stricter enforcement of traffic laws, including the use of speed cameras and increased fines for traffic violations. Road infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of new highways and the installation of traffic lights and signs, have also been implemented to improve road safety.
In addition, public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate drivers and pedestrians about the importance of road safety and the risks associated with reckless driving. These campaigns have been conducted through various media channels, including television, radio, and social media.
Overall, while there is still much work to be done to reduce the number of road crashes and injuries in KSA, the implementation of these interventions has shown some promise in improving road safety and reducing risk factors associated with road crashes.