A retrospective Policy Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents, Injuries and Fatalities in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are considered one of the leading causes of death in Saudi Arabia, and road traffic fatalities (RTFs) are the main cause of premature deaths among youth in Saudi Arabia. More than 19 individuals die per day as a result of RTAs, and four people every hour are injured and 80% of total deaths in hospitals are due to RTAs, and around 20% of inpatient wards are occupied by patients with RTIs. This study aims to examine the impact of the seat belt and phone use policies in Saudi Arabia on RTAs and RTIs. Methods: Data was obtained from the literatures, documents, and published reports, online articles and local magazines and newspaper both in English and Arabia languages. Seatbelt policy and mobile phone use while driving policy were selected for analysis by using Policy Analysis Tringle Framework. Result: There is a significant decrease in Saudi Arabia from average 28.8 per 100,000 to 16.8 per 100,000 in 2019. However, seatbelt policy seems not affective due to different interpretations such as the popularity of Wasta,and lacking advance technologies at that time in addition to the poor coordination between stakeholders and actors. Mobile use while driving policy has introduced with different situations such as exiting of camera detecting, fixing blackspots in streets as well as the cooperation between different sectors and actors which could contribute to be more effective in line with recent year reduction in RTA, RTI and RTF.