10 Saudi Arabia Car Accident Statistics and Facts: 2024 Update
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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Car accidents are a daily concern in most countries. They can occur due to many circumstances, but there’s one thing they all have in common: they are always a tragedy. Saudi Arabia has some of the most alarming car accident statistics globally. Every week, dozens of people get seriously injured and die due to road accidents, and these figures continue to rise. There’s a substantial increase in car crashes and road fatalities in this country.
Click below to jump ahead:
- Number of Car Accidents and Deaths
- Traffic Laws and Rate of Car Accidents
- People Affected Most by Car Accidents
- Car Drifting
The 10 Saudi Arabia Car Accident Statistics
- There are more than 460,000 car crashes in Saudi Arabia every year.
- Car accidents cause 5% of deaths in Saudi Arabia.
- Riyadh, Qassim, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah are Saudi Arabia’s leading towns in car accidents.
- Car drifting causes 20 deaths per day in Saudi Arabia.
- If you exceed the speed limit by 25km/h, you’re liable to a minimum fine of 900 Saudi riyals and six points on your driving license.
- In 2021, Saudi Arabia aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths by 50% over the next ten years.
- At least one driver is involved in a road accident every second.
- The age group with the highest death rate due to car accidents is 19-30, totaling 1,463 deaths in 2020 alone.
- In Saudi Arabia, men have an average of two road accidents compared to women who have only one.
- Car drifting is considered a national hobby even though it causes fatal accidents.
Number of Car Accidents and Deaths in Saudi Arabia
1. There are more than 460,000 car crashes in Saudi Arabia every year.
(SAUDI GAZETTE)
The number of car crashes in Saudi Arabia is high, considering the population of the country and the fact that car ownership is not common. Besides, it’s much higher than you’d expect from even the most congested cities in the country. These accidents cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year.
The country has some of the highest numbers of car crashes per person each year due to poor driving practices and infrastructure. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people is involved in a car accident at some point.
2. Car accidents cause 5% of deaths in Saudi Arabia.
(MDPI)
Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the highest death rates caused by road accidents. According to a report by MDPI, road accidents kill about 130,000 people each year, about 5% of the total deaths in the country. It’s a shocking statistic. It shows that it is a serious matter that needs attention from the government and concerned bodies.
3. Riyadh, Qassim, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah are Saudi Arabia’s leading towns in car accidents.
(MDPI)
In the past few years, traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia have been rising due to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. According to a report by MDPI, five towns (Riyadh, Makkah, Qassim, Madinah, and Jeddah) lead in car accident totals.
Also, it states that the Al-Riyadh area in the Riyadh governorate is leading with the highest number of car accidents. It has a total of 1,236 car accidents per 100,000 vehicles.
4. Car drifting causes 20 deaths per day in Saudi Arabia.
(STEPFEED)
Drifting is a dangerous sport performed on four-wheeled vehicles. It involves oversteering or sliding the rear wheels of the car. It maintains control while making a high-speed turn.
Nowadays, it has become common among young Saudis who are eager to show off their racing skills. Saudi Arabian authorities and society have been trying to prevent drifting on public roads since it has led to many deaths and injuries.
Traffic Laws and Rate of Car Accidents in Saudi Arabia
5. If you exceed the speed limit by 25km/h, you’re liable to a minimum fine of 900 Saudi riyals and six points on your driving license.
(LIFE IN SAUDI ARABIA)
When driving, you cannot exceed the required speed limit by 25km/h. Exceeding the speed limit carries an automatic suspension of the driving license for 3 months for first-time offenders.
Second-time offenders will have their DL suspended for 6 months. Third-time offenders will have their driving privileges revoked for a year and fined 1,000 Saudi Riyals. Besides paying the fine, if the police pull you over for exceeding the speed limit, they could impound your vehicle or ask you to pay a bond to avoid impounding it.
(WHO)
Saudi Arabia has begun to acknowledge the damage that reckless driving does to the country. In recent years, it established the National Ministerial Traffic Safety Committee to address the issues of reckless driving. The committee hopes to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by reckless driving by at least 50% by 2030.
7. At least one driver is involved in a road accident every second.
(RAC FOUNDATION)
According to statistics from the Rac Foundation, drivers in Saudi Arabia often get involved in road accidents. It is estimated that a driver is involved in an accident every second. There have been many attempts to curb this alarming trend and improve traffic conditions through various methods.
Many of these accidents take place due to speeding up and overtaking. The most dangerous roads in Saudi Arabia are the Al-Yamamah Road and Riyadh Ring Road in Riyadh.
People Affected Most by Car Accidents in Saudi Arabia and Car Drifting Facts
8. The age group with the highest death rate due to car accidents is 19-30, totaling 1,463 deaths in 2020 alone.
(MOH)
Age is a primary factor in the number of accident casualties in Saudi Arabia. Drivers aged 19-30 account for the highest number of deaths per year. Drivers aged 31-40 come in at a close second, with 1,182 deaths in 2020.
Many young people speed to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. They think speeding will save them time, but it’s not true. It will only increase the chances of having an accident or getting caught by traffic police.
9. In Saudi Arabia, men have an average of two road accidents compared to women who have only one.
(MOH)
In Saudi Arabia, men are twice as likely to cause a road accident as women. This is true because men drive twice as much as women do. The reason for this gender difference is that men are more likely to drive aggressively, violate traffic laws, and use their mobile phones while driving.
Also, they are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic accident. The gender differences in road accidents have led to questions about the driving behavior of men and women regarding speed, tailgating, and lane changes.
10. In Saudi Arabia, car drifting is considered a national hobby even though it causes fatal accidents.
(ALARABIYA)
Car drifting is illegal in many counties and cities but is a hobby in Saudi Arabia. This popular form of racing involves skidding your car through a slalom-like course. The most popular spot is Khurais Road. Here, cars drift every night, and at least one fatal accident has occurred.
So, car drifting is a dangerous sport that causes many car accidents in Saudi Arabia, yet it is still considered like any other hobby/sport.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents in Saudi Arabia
What is the primary cause of most car accidents in Saudi Arabia?
Most accidents in Saudi Arabia occur due to reckless driving and failure to maintain speed limits. Also, tire blowouts are known to cause accidents. Many motorists who have experienced this first-hand will confirm that it is not easy to maintain control of a vehicle when one or more tires blow out.
Most car accidents are also caused by drivers not paying attention while on the road. They are preoccupied with cell phones, music, and other items that distract them. It’s not only true in Saudi Arabia but all over the world.
(WHO)
In what ways do car accidents in Saudi Arabia affect people’s lives?
Accidents are a common occurrence in Saudi Arabia. These accidents affect the people involved and their family members and relatives. A car accident has many consequences, as it can cause serious physical injuries or death. Also, it can give rise to psychological impacts, such as stress and depression.
Car accidents can also cause financial losses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, auto repair costs, and compensation for pain and suffering. Sometimes the victims have to suffer the loss of a loved one. It’s another massive blow for them to handle.
What should you do after a car accident?
The first thing to do after a car accident is to inform the authorities. If you are in an area with a lot of traffic and a high volume of accidents, there will be police officers assigned to those intersections. If you are not in such an area, it’s best to drive yourself to the nearest police station.
You can also contact your embassy for more information about what to do after a car accident in Saudi Arabia. Consulate employees can provide information about local laws and penalties for damage caused in a car accident.
If you were involved in a car accident while driving your vehicle, you could request assistance from your insurance company. Also, you can contact your employer’s human resources department. Lastly, if you were injured in a car accident, you likely want medical assistance. You can call emergency services if necessary.
(LIFE IN SAUDI ARABIA)
Who are the safest drivers in Saudi Arabia?
A recent study conducted by Inside Saudi has shown that women are the safest drivers in Saudi Arabia. Women are less likely to cause road accidents compared to men.
When it comes to safe driving, it is not just about avoiding accidents or road mishaps. It is about being aware of what you are doing behind the wheel. The way you drive can turn an everyday commute into an adventure or a trip in the country into a long-distance race.
Also, it’s crucial to remember that women were not allowed to drive until after 2018. But today, tens of thousands of women have been issued driving licenses. But, many have not been able to use them amid stiff opposition from religious conservatives.
(INSIDE SAUDI)
Is driving in Saudi Arabia dangerous?
In Saudi Arabia, road accidents are prevalent. Most of them are caused by young people without experience driving on chaotic roads. Also, there is an insufficient number of police officers handling traffic accidents and bad weather conditions. The most dangerous times to drive in Saudi Arabia are during the Hajj season and between sunset and sunrise during Ramadan. The Saudis drive fast and overtake each other recklessly. It makes the roads unsafe for everyone else.
How do Saudi Arabia’s insurance firms work?
Insurance firms are common in Saudi Arabia. They compensate victims for accidents, theft, natural disasters, and more. They provide compensation for their clients in financial terms, such as money or goods, instead of the original good or service.
The main aim of insurance firms in Saudi Arabia is to manage risks associated with specific events and provide financial protection to their customers.
(PRACTICAL LAW)
How do you check if you’ve violated any traffic rule in Saudi Arabia?
Have you ever wondered if you have violated any traffic rules in Saudi Arabia? There is an easy way to check if the police have recorded any incident against you. The easiest and fastest way to check your traffic violation is through the official website of the Traffic Violations Bureau. This site is available in Arabic and English.
(MY GOV)
How to Prevent Car Accidents in Saudi Arabia
There are several things you can do to prevent a road accident in Saudi Arabia. First, drivers who tailgate are likely to get into a car accident. It’s because they don’t know about the other drivers around them and may be unable to stop or slow down when another vehicle slows down or stops suddenly. Make sure you always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. That way, you can react well when something happens.
Also, you should always be aware of your surroundings to anticipate possible dangers. It’s called defensive driving. Being defensive means that you keep an eye on your mirrors and the traffic around you at all times. Not only will this help you avoid accidents, but if there is an accident, it will give you time to react and avoid it.
Always keep your eyes on the road. Don’t glance at billboards along the side of the road or check out other cars parked along the curb when driving. If you’re looking at something other than the road when driving, it’s easy for something to happen without realizing it until it’s too late.
Also, wear a seatbelt every time you get into your car. You will be protected if you are involved in an accident and prevent serious injuries. Avoid using cell phones while driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving in Saudi Arabia is illegal, but many drivers still do it out of habit. Always pull over to the side before using your phone.
Avoid staying awake for long hours if you’re planning on driving. If you have been awake for over 24 hours, do not drive.
Related Read: 10 Car Accident Statistics and Facts in the US
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabian government is taking significant steps to ensure the safety of its roads. But the number of accidents every year shows that there’s still a lot more to do. The most cost-effective measure to reduce the number of road accidents would be an effective traffic education campaign launched by authorities.
These car accident facts and statistics in Saudi Arabia make it clear that speeding, driver negligence, and recklessness remain serious problems on the Kingdom’s roads. In the future, this number is likely to stay high if there are no improvements to public transportation and traffic laws. However, if authorities can follow through, improve public transit, and crack down on careless driving, those numbers could fall over time.
You might also be interested in: How Many Claims Are Allowed in Car Insurance?
Featured Image Credit: Magsi, Shutterstock
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