A framework for accident reduction and risk identification and assessment in Saudi Arabia
| Pages | 214-223 |
| Date | 29 July 2014 |
| Published date | 29 July 2014 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-06-2014-0008 |
| Author | Attiyah M. Al-Atawi,Ravindra Kumar,Wafaa Saleh |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
A framework for accident
reduction and risk identification
and assessment in Saudi Arabia
Attiyah M. Al-Atawi
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Ravindra Kumar
Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK and
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi, India, and
Wafaa Saleh
Transport Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework methodology for the assessment and
improving accident data collection and analysis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Design/methodology/approach – A proposed framework methodology for accidentreduction by an
integrated process which includes a risk identification, assessment and reduction process is proposed for
Tabukcity in KSA.
Findings – Tabuk city has a high accident rate. The proposed framework can improve the process of
accident data collection and analysis and identify hot spot locations and accident severity.
Originality/value – It has been estimated that the annual cost of traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia
exceeds sixbillion US dollars, in addition to other social,health and economicimpacts, such as disability,
rehabilitation and unemployment due to traffic accident injuries. There are not many studies, if any, in
Tabukin KSA on the investigation and development of a frameworkfor accident reduction.
Keywords Sustainability, Sustainable development, Sustainable environment, Accident,
Chronic problems, Tabuk City Saudi Arabia
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
It has been claimed that more than 300,000 traffic accidents occur every year in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Traffic accidents account for more than 30 per cent of
bed occupancy in hospitals, and the Kingdom bears losses of more than SR13 billion
as a result of traffic accidents (Arab News, 2013). The World Health Organization
found Saudi Arabia to have the world’s highest number of deaths from road accidents,
which now make up the country’s principal cause of death in adult males aged 16-36.
First reported by the Saudi daily Arab News, the study found that 6,485 people had died
and more than 36,000 were injured in over 485,000 traffic accidents during 2008 and 2009
(Greenprophet, 2010). In 2010, Saudi Arabia recorded four million traffic accidents,
leading to 86,000 deaths and 611,000 injuries, 7 per cent of which resulted in permanent
disabilities, which is almost a third of traffic accidents in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
The main reasons included drivers jumping red lights, and 18 per cent of accidents were
caused by illegal U-turns. The most common dangerous driving activities were speeding,
sudden stops and speaking on the phone while driving. The driving problems are mostly
seen in young people, because driving provides an outlet for them to enjoy themselves.
In addition, there is no proper driver training or education in schools regarding driving and
respecting the road. Drug use is also a contributing factor. These are the central problems.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
WorldJour nal of Science, Technology
and Sustainable Development
Vol. 11 No. 3, 2014
pp. 214-223
rEmeraldGroup PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/W JSTSD-06-2014-0008
214
WJSTSD
11,3
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