strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the eastern province 2014-2019

COMM1312: Writing and Research

Spring 2014

Dr. William Harry Trotter

Student: Faisal Basheer

ID: 201301765

Major: Computer Engineering

Section 112

Assignment 6: Finalized Research Paper

Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019.

Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Table of Contents

Table of Contents Page

Abstract 3

Introduction 4

Purpose 4

Focus 4

Scope 4

Methodology 5

Literature review 6

Expectations 8

Comparing eastern province in Saudi Arabia and annual difference in RTAs 9

Evaluating causes of RTAs 10

Mitigation strategies 16

Conclusion 18

Recommendations 19

Bibliography 20

Appendix 21

2Faisal Basheer #201301765Writing and Research_112

Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Table of Contents


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Abstract

Abstract

Road Traffic Accidents are a major concern globally. Saudi Arabia being a developing nation

is undergoing various changes and stages of development. The changes and some other

ingrained factors give birth to road accidents and consequent issues. This study focuses on

the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where the issue is widespread. A comparison is made

between the Eastern Province and various other regions of Saudi Arabia with respect to rate

of accidents. The trends in annual rate of accidents are studied. Few major causes are

highlighted, which give birth to road accidents and appropriate mitigation strategies are also

framed in this study.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major public health problem globally. RTAs are a major

cause of death and disability in developing countries. According to a report by World Health 4

Faisal Basheer #201301765Writing and Research_112

Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Introduction

Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to RTAs is expected to increase by 80% from

2000 to 2020. Globally, RTAs rank 9th amongst the leading reasons for disability adjusted life

years lost, and this ranking is subjected to rise to the 3rd place by the year 2020.

1. Purpose

Saudi Arabia, which is a rapidly developing country, brings a need for road expansions.

Moreover an increase in the number of vehicles, road construction, and various other factors

RTAs are becoming a major concern for the Kingdom’s social and economic status. The

ensuing trauma has increased in direct proportion to the increase in the number of road

vehicles. Mortality rates have also increased substantially since 1990 due to road traffic

accidents. Latest statistics portray that 12 deaths per day occur in Saudi Arabia due to RTAs.

Therefore there is a need to plan mitigation strategies so as to minimise the causes of RTAs.

2. Focus

This study focuses on examining the causes that are responsible for RTAs in the Eastern

Province of Saudi Arabia and frame mitigation strategies to minimise them using a strategy

plan reasonable for five years (2014-2018).

3. Scope

This study is intended for the residents and organizations in the Eastern Province. The data

examined will be concerned about the road traffic in the region and the conclusions are

subject to change after a span of five years (or so).


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Methodology

4. Methods

To collect relevant data the following methods were used. A survey from Primary Health Care

Centers in Qatar and the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia Database.

4.1 Surveying: The survey conducted by the Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) residing in

Qatar. The conducted survey consisted of 22 PHCs located in various parts of Qatar. The

surveying procedure was prolonged from January 2009 to June 2009. Data collected was

amassed from questionnaires answered by Qatari drivers. The questionnaire inquired driving

history, socio-demographic facts, vehicle category, and behaviour of the driver, crash details, and

mishap patterns. Throughout the survey duration, 1646 subjects approached out of which 1228

replied to the questionnaire.

The data construed from the survey gives an account of causes that lead to road traffic accidents.

The factors that give rise to road traffic accidents (RTA) can be traced according to their

precedence. The survey provides vital ideas about the causes which lead to various kinds of RTA

and hence create a conduit towards solutions to minimize them. The survey also provides various

details about the scenarios while the accidents took place; like type of road, weather, day

(whether weekday or weekend), level of damage to the vehicle etc.

The figures and numbers obtained are capable of describing the causes of the accidents which are

a necessity for deciding mitigation strategies. Hence the survey proves its relevancy towards the

thesis of the research.

4.2 Database: The Health Statistics Annual Book (2012), presenting figures from the Ministry of

Health (MOH) Saudi Arabia Database.



The statistics book illustrates various initiatives, medical cases, facts and figures of various

medical terms; like death rate, birth rate, diseases, causes of injuries, and activities within

hospitals around the kingdom and provides data for different regions of Saudi Arabia for some of

the terms.

The data presented by this database-derived report can be utilized to compare mortality and

injury rate due to accidents in various regions with the eastern province. The numbers and rates

related to RTA can aid in determining how immense the issue is.

5. Literature review

Traffic Accidents continue to modulate severe health and economic consequences globally.

Despite of all those major efforts to improve traffic safety, RTAs have increased steadily. Al-

Naami (2010) states, RTAs to cost around 21 billion Saudi Riyals (USD $5.6 billion) annually to

the kingdom, which is a loss of 2.2% to 9% from the national income (p 51). The rates of RTAs

are highly alarming, as Ansari (2000) reports, minor accidents in the kingdom(82.1%) are less

than that in the USA (91.6%) but “major accidents causing injuries and deaths in Saudi Arabia

being more than double (17.4%) than those in the USA (8.313%)”(p 38). A rapid increase in the

rate of RTAs was observed in the early 90’s as the number of cars increased in the kingdom as

reported by Ansari (2000: p 37).

Various reasons were highlighted, which directly or indirectly gave birth to RTAs and related

concerns. Bener (2003) reports faults by drivers often accompanied by various law violations

lead to more than 90% of highway accidents (p 605). Abdo (2011) claims the major reason for

RTAs in the kingdom is the rising number of vehicles and population which is increased by the

rapidly increasing number of nationals and expatriates in the kingdom (p 210). Al-Naami (2010)



argues 40% RTAs are attributed to non-Saudis, “the increasing number of expatriates from

different countries who are unfamiliar with local driving conditions and requirements is also an

important factor in the increasing number of RTAs in the country” (p 51). Altwaijri (2012)

investigates Saudis drivers to be largely associated with fatal crashes (or serious injuries),

“compared with non-Saudi drivers the majority of the Saudi drivers (81%) are found to be

associated with fatal crashes” (p 355). As the kingdom is developing, the road networks all

around the kingdom are improvised and made efficient. As reported by Al-Naami (2010),

vehicles and road designing contributes to 20% of RTAs in Saudi Arabia; “People in small and

light vehicles are more likely to have serious injuries and fatalities. Improving vehicle

manufacturing should result in less fatal road traffic injuries.” (p 53).

Numerous studies illustrate the causes for RTAs in Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries, where

RTAs are a serious concern; with a few concentrating on the mitigation strategies to prevent or

even minimize the rapid increase in the rate of RTAs. The strategies formed then are in a need of

modification, as various initiatives like the ‘Saher’ have been introduced to traffic management

across the kingdom and the trends brought in road designing; therefore a new strategic plan is in

need which focuses on minimizing the rate of RTAs with keeping the recent initiatives and

technologies in context. For which this research will focus on the patterns of RTAs, identifying

their major causes and framing mitigation strategies.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Expectations

6. Expectations

6.1 Evaluate chief causes of road traffic accidents: The study would reveal the chief causes that

are responsible for RTAs. Causes are vital in understanding the reasons behind the havoc due

to RTAs.

6.2 Mitigation strategies for road traffic accidents: The highlighted causes for RTAs would

facilitate in considering the causes and toning them down. Mitigation strategies would not

only help in lessening the number of road accidents but also be benefiting socially.

6.3 Importance of influencing the government initiatives and policies: Governmental policies

like laws and other initiatives can be effective in minimising RTAs and hence the study

would reveal reasons for the significance of amending schemes and laws.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Body

7. Comparing Eastern Province with other regions of Saudi Arabia and annual difference in

RTAs

The data obtained from the MOH database was utilized to study the emergency cases due to

RTAs around Saudi Arabia and the annual rates of RTAs. Figure 1 illustrates the frequency of

emergency cases reported due to RTAs.

Riyadh

Makka

h

Madina

Qassim

Easte

rn P.

Asir

Tabouk

Ha'il

Northern

P.Jiz

an

Narjran

Al-Bah

ah

Al-Jouf

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

Figure 1: Emergency cases reported due to RTAsSource: MOH (2012)

Emer

genc

y ca

ses r

epor

ted

Makkah region is most active in RTA emergency cases (27%) whereas the Northern Province is

the least active region (1.03%).

Finding 1: Eastern Province is the third most RTA-prone region in Saudi Arabia.

2008 2009 2010 2011 20120

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

21,638 21,46723,263

25,30926,676

Figure 2: Emergency cases due to RTAs reported in the KingdomSource: MOH (2012)

Emer

genc

y ca

ses



Figure 2 illustrates the emergency cases due to RTAs reported in the Kingdom. The number of

emergency cases seems to increase steadily from the year 2008 to 2012. Therefore minimising the

rapidly increasing rate of RTAs is a serious concern.

8. Evaluating causes of RTAs

Following are different factors causing RTAs highlighted and analyzed. The data obtained

from the survey by PHCs in Qatar, Burgut (2010) and the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia is

being used for analyzing certain factors.

8.1Age of drivers involved in RTAs

Figure 3 illustrates the age groups of drivers involved in RTAs.

Age group Drivers involved Drivers involved (%)

18-24 56 17.13%25-34 102 31.19%35-44 75 22.94%45-54 67 20.49%≥55 27 8.26%

TOTAL 327 100.00%Figure 3: frequency distribution of drivers involved in RTAs

and their age groups.Source: Burgut (2010).

Highest percentage of involvement in RTAs is seen in drivers belonging to age group of 25-

34 (31.2%), followed by the drivers of age group 35-44 (23%); while the lowest involvement

is seen in drivers above 55 years of age.

Finding 2: Young drivers are actively involved in RTAs, which shows lack of knowledge

regarding traffic rules and regulations among them.



8.2Education level of the drivers

Figure 4 illustrates the education of drivers involved in RTAs.

Education level No. Of Drivers No. Of drivers (%)

Illiterate 20 6.12%Primary 30 9.17%

Intermediate 67 20.49%Secondary 103 31.50%University 107 32.72%TOTAL 327 100.00%

Figure 4: frequency distribution of drivers involved in RTAs and their level of

education.

Source: Burgut (2010).

It is seen that majority (32.7%) of drivers involved in RTAs have attained university level

education. Involvement in RTAs is less observed by illiterate drivers (6.12%).

Finding 3: Drivers having favorable educational qualifications are more involved in

RTAs.

8.3Vehicle-type and involvement in RTAs

Figure 5 shows rate of involvement in RTAs with respect to vehicle type.


Heavy or light truck

Bus Minibus Pick-up SUV/4WD Car0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%

50.00%

7.03% 8.87% 8.87%6.12%

23.55%

45.57%

Figure 5: Vehicle-type involvement in RTAsSource: Burgut (2010)

Drivers involved in RTAs

Type of vehicle

invo

lvem

ent i

n RT

As (%

)


Majority of RTAs caused, include car (45.6%) followed by SUV/4WD vehicles (23.5%).

Trucks (7%) and pick-up vehicles (6.12%) show relatively less involvement in RTAs. Al-

Naami (2010) states drivers and passengers in small and light vehicles are more subjected to

serious injuries and fatalities; “Improving vehicle manufacturing should result in less fatal

road traffic injuries” (p 52).

Finding 4: Frequency of RTAs is common among smaller vehicles like cars and SUVs;

trucks and pick up vehicles are not associated with RTAs to a large extent.

8.4Knowledge of traffic signs

Figure 6 illustrates the knowledge of traffic signs among the drivers (mainly youth) as

reported by Abdo (2011).

Almost 46% of the survey participants did not know what a ‘Yield’ Sign stands for, whereas

10-15% of the participants did not know some of the vital traffic signs like ‘Stop’, ‘ Merging

into a Main Street’, ‘ Do not Pass’, and ‘School Crossing Zone’ stood for. 20% of the

participants did not know the ‘Do not Enter’ Sign. Limited knowledge about Traffic signs

could be a major factor contributing to RTAs. Surprisingly these signs were not fully known

among the youth of the region, which included fresh and experienced drivers. This clearly


Figure 6: Knowledge about various Traffic signs

Source: Abdo (2011)


shows how a person with limited knowledge about traffic rules and signs, gets a license to

drive and this could be one of the reasons for rising number of traffic violations and RTAs.

Finding 5: Drivers involved in RTAs possess less knowledge about crucial traffic

signs.

8.5 Pattern of RTAs according to crash type

Figure 7 represents the pattern of RTAs by various crash types reported. Most repeatedly

reported patterns of RTAs are overturn skid (18.75%), angle collision (15.5%) and rear-end

hit (11.6%). Ansari (2000) claims the number of accidents due to over speeding in Saudi

Arabia are 3.5 times more than in the USA (p 38). Over speeding alone creates high chances

of fatal crashes.

Angle collision

Overturn skid

Nose to tail

Hit fixed object

Rear end hit

Head on collision

Side collision

Pedestrian

Hit parked vehicle

15.50%

18.75%

12.50%

11.50%

11.60%

9.00%

9.45%

7.20%

4.50%

Figure 7:Pattern of RTAs according to type of crashSource: Burgut (2010)

Type

of r

oad

traffi

c cra

shes

Finding 6: Most common patterns of RTAs include overturn skid, angle collision,

nose to tail crash and rear end hit



8.6 Weather conditions and temperatures

Following section discusses the relation between weather and temperatures and accidents.

Figure 8 represents the various weather conditions and the occurrence of RTAs. Most of the

RTAs were reported when weather was sunny (85%) whereas comparatively less RTAs were

reported when the weather was rainy, cloudy or dusty (3%-7%).

Finding 7: The rate of RTAs is comparatively more on sunny days

Figure 9 shows temperatures (type) and frequency of RTAs reported. Majority of RTAs were

reported on hot days. Extreme temperatures of the region give rise to tire blowouts, particularly in

rural areas, where roads are not well maintained. Al-Naami (2010) reports “the total number of tire-


Very Hot Hot Moderate 78 23.9%0.00%

10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%80.00%

1.20%

74.90%

23.90%

Figure 9: Weather (temperature-type)Source: Burgut (2010)

Temperature-type

Cras

hes i

n %

Cloudy 5%

Dusty 7%

Sunny 85%

Rainy 3%

Figure 8: Weather (type)Source: Burgut (2010)


related accidents occurs at a rate of one accident per 11 km of rural roads according to a 2001

report on traffic accidents...” (p53).

Finding 8: Extreme temperatures are one of the causes that lead to RTAs.



8.7 Practices while driving

Following are practices of drivers while driving discussed.

Figure 10 shows the frequency of drivers using mobile phones while driving. Most of the drivers

seem to always use mobile phones while driving (41%). Low fractions (15%) of drivers tend to

avoid the usage of mobile phones to some extent.

Figure 11 illustrates the frequency of drivers using seat-belts while driving. Low fractions of

drivers always use seat-belts (26%), whereas majority (53%) of drivers use seat-belts occasionally.

Finding 9: Drivers do not completely focus while driving. Distractions like usage of mobile

phones are observed in majority. Moreover usage of seat-belts is not common among the

drivers.


Always26%

Occas-sionally

53%

Rarely21%

Figure 11:Usage of seat-belts while driving Source: Abdo(2011)

Always41%Occa-

sionally44%

Rarely15%

Figure 10:Usage of mobile phones while drivingSource: Abdo(2011)


9. Mitigation Strategies

After discussing the magnitude and causes of RTAs in Saudi Arabia, various methods can be

framed in order to minimize the increasing rate of RTAs. To minimize the fore mentioned chief

causes of RTAs, the following mitigation strategies could be taken under consideration.

9.1 Educating and encouraging drivers to obey traffic regulations

Educating youngsters by means of campaigns and media can help in encouraging drivers to

obey traffic rules. Yahia (2013) hypothesizes encouraging the use of seat-belts is an effective

way to avoid injuries due to RTAs; “Encouraging people to use seat belts and seats for

children, would be an easy, simple and effective measure in reducing the fatalities and injuries

pertaining to traffic accidents” (p 289). Abdo (2011) suggests emphasizing the knowledge of

traffic signs in driving license examinations. Media and internet can be used to extend

awareness. The procedure for issuing a driving license must be more firm, testing the driver’s

skills and knowledge in various traffic regulations.

9.2 Amending government policies

Firm punishment should be implemented for those drivers who violate traffic rules. Initiatives

can be issued, which make it mandatory for employers to charge penalties on employees who

violate traffic regulations. The education ministry must introduce sessions at universities and

high schools, which emphasize importance of safe driving and abiding by traffic regulations.

9.3 Improving road monitoring systems

The recent initiative of installing radar and cameras on roads, called ‘Saher’ is helpful in

monitoring roads. Unfortunately, the Saher system is not that functional as the drivers may



slow down seeing a camera; but may increase their speed after the range of the camera/radar.

The Saher system needs to be more sophisticated.

9.4 Designing better roads

Roads should be built considering traffic congestion and weather conditions. The constant

digging of roads by various agencies across the eastern province should be minimized. The

digging of roads and heavy vehicles at workplace result in congestion. The change in lanes

should be improved.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Conclusion

10. Conclusion

RTAs are a serious concern globally. RTAs have various social and economic outcomes on the

country. Saudi Arabia, being a developing nation is undergoing a variety of changes. These

changes include increasing population of immigrants, improvements in infrastructure, etc. Along

with these changes the rates of RTAs have increased in the past few years. The Eastern Province

of Saudi Arabia stands third in RTA-related emergencies. In order to minimize this increase in

number of RTAs, some major causes of RTAs were highlighted. Aforementioned causes were

age group of drivers, education level, vehicle-type, less knowledge of traffic signs and rules, lack

of concentration while driving and extreme weather conditions. Patterns of RTAs were also

studied which showed that overturn skid was responsible for majority of RTAs. Usage of seat

belts was found to be less in drivers. To minimize the consequences caused by these causes, few

mitigation strategies were framed. These mitigation strategies include education and

encouragement of drivers to obey traffic laws, amendment of government policies, improving

road monitoring systems and road design. If the governmental agencies and organizations focus

on better roads and providing license to fully-trained drivers, the rate of RTAs can be controlled.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Recommendations

11. Recommendations

After studying the patterns and some major causes of accident the following recommendations

could be taken into consideration, so as to mitigate risks.

1. High school s and universities should introduce programs regarding traffic laws. Students

should be encouraged to learn traffic regulations.

2. Authorities issuing driving licenses should implement strict procedure of testing drivers

before issuing a driving license. Before a license is issued, it should be made sure that the

driver possesses required knowledge about traffic laws.

3. Government bodies should Alter the speed-limit and impose rigid punishments over

violations. Speed-limit alteration is needed as it is a major cause of crashes.

4. Drivers must ensure that tyres of vehicles are filled with appropriate amount of nitrogen

rather than normal air in the months of extreme temperatures. Nitrogen with air in tyres

lessens the probability of tyre bursts by maintaining the pressure inside in extreme

temperatures of the region.

5. Roads should be monitored more efficiently. Traffic authorities must enforce more

officers on roads. There is a need in making the present monitoring radars and cameras

more efficient and infallible.

6. Drivers must avoid distractions and usage of seat-belts should be encouraged. Prevention

is better than cure; drivers themselves must take precautions like avoiding mobile phones

while driving and using seat belts.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Bibliography

12. Bibliography

1. Gharaibeh, E.S. & Abdo, A. M. A. (2011). Assessment of Traffic Safety and Awareness among

Youth in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and

Applied Sciences (JETEAS), 2 (2), 210-215.

2. Burgut H.R., Bener A., Sidahmed H., Albuz R., Sanya R., Khan W.A. (2010). Risk factors

contributing to road traffic crashes in a fast-developing country: the neglected health problem.

Turkish Journal of Trauma & Emergency Surgery, 16 (6), 497-502.

3. Elshinnawey M.A., Fiala L.E., Abbas M.A.F., Othman N. (2008). Road Traffic Injuries in Saudi

Arabia, and Its Impact on the Working Population. Egypt Public Health Association, Vol.83,

l&2.

4. Ansari S., Akhdar F., Mandoorah M. & Moutaery K. (2000). Causes and effects of road traffic

accidents in Saudi Arabia. Public Health 114, 37-39.

5. Al-Twaijri S., Quddus M. & Bristow A. (2012). Analysing the Severity and Frequency of Traffic

Crashes in Riyadh City Using Statistical Models. International Journal of Transportation

Science and Technology 1(4), 351-364.

6. Barrimah I., Midhet F., & Sharaf F. (2012) Epidemiology of Road Traffic Injuries in Qassim

Region, Saudi Arabia: Consistency of Police and Health Data. International Journal of Health

Sciences 6(1), 31-41.

7. Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia (2012). Health Statistics Annual Book (H.1433), 159-160.

Retrieved from:http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Ministry/Statistics/book/Documents/1433.pdf

8. Al-Naami M.Y., Arafah M.A. & Al-Ibrahim F.S. (2010). Trauma care systems in Saudi Arabia:

an agenda for action, Annual Saudi Medical Journal 30(1), 50–58.

9. Bener A., Abu-Zidan F.M., Bensiali A.K., Al-Mulla A.A. & Jadaan K.S. (2003). Strategy to

improve road safety in developing countries, Saudi Med Journal 24 (6), 603-608.


Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Appendix

13. Appendix

Table 1:Martial status and involvement in RTAsSource: Burgut (2010)

Marital Status Involved in RTAs

Single 105

Married 222

TOTAL 327

Table 1 shows marital status of drivers involved in accidents.

Table 2:Household income and involvement in RTAsSource: Burgut (2010)

Household income involved in RTAs<5000 41

5000-9999 11110000-14999 80

>15000 95TOTAL 327

Table 2 shows the household of drivers who are involved in accidents.

Table 3: Following Speed LimitSource: Burgut (2010)

Do you follow speed limit? No. Of DriversAlways 241

If Radar/camera (sometimes) 77Never 9

TOTAL 327Table 3 shows the frequency of drivers involved in accidents and their compliance with speed limit.

Table 4 shows drivers involved in accidents and traffic violations made within a year.


Table 4:Traffic violations within a yearSource: Burgut (2010)

Traffic Violations within a year

No. Of Drivers

Yes 187No 140

TOTAL 327

Title: Strategic plan to minimize road traffic accidents in the Eastern Province 2014-2019. Appendix

Table 5:Frequency of accidents on basis of daysSource: Burgut(2010)

Day frequency of accidentsSaturday 41Sunday 53Monday 51Tuesday 51

Wednesday 59Thursday 48

Friday 24TOTAL 327

Table 5 shows the frequency of accidents on basis of days in a week.

Table 6:Accident location and frequency of accidentsSource: Burgut (2010)

Accident Location frequency of accidentsMain Road 73Crossroad 39Side Road 30

Roundabout 139Traffic Light 22

Alley 24TOTAL 327

Table 6 shows the frequency of accidents on various locations.

Table 7: Severity of Crashes Source: Burgut (2010)

Severity FrequencyMild 133

Moderate 136Severe 58

327Table 7 shows the severity of crashes and their relevant frequency.
