Reckless Driving And Accidents In Saudi Arabia And The USA

Reckless driving and accidents in Saudi Arabia and USA

Alamdar | 4 Abdulrahman Alamdar Professor Guigelaar ENGL 1008 001 January 29, 2017 Personal Essay Reckless driving and accidents in Saudi Arabia and USA Introduction Considering my future research, talk about personal connection to Saudi Arabia and USA accidents have been a major cause of death and the rise in the level of the death toll in various countries contributes to a drastic decrease in the number of population per square kilometer. The reckless driving and accidents has therefore become a pandemic as more money is concentrated in the treatment of patients who have been involved in accidents instead of being used in in the developing the economy. Moreover, there is the need for each and every individual to look into the matter so as to reduce the rate at which accidents are of danger to these countries. Comparison According to my experience. My interest comes to the comparison of the reckless driving in Saudi Arabia and USA. In the case of Saudi Arabia, the death toll is much higher as compared to that of the USA which comes about as a result of accidents (Bendak & Al-Saleh, 2010). This is evident by massive number such as over 66000 individuals who perish each and every year as opposed to the USA where the number is quite lower making Saudi Arabia among the leading countries in accident related deaths and casualties. In Saudi Arabia there has been the adoption of the building of the modern highways and pathways to be used by both the motorists and the pedestrians at large. The risk of accidents therefore comes by when there is limited knowledge of the highway design and decisions. This causes the construction of poor and low quality roads as compared to those of the USA which are much more stable and durable. As a result, the roads develop potholes which are a hindrance and increase in the rate of accidents due to the poor construction of roads. In the USA there is the regular inspection and renewal of the licenses of the driver and this may be accessed online and its much quicker which saves on time. In Saudi Arabia, much of the motorists operating the vehicles have not accessed the new technology and the tracing of those who do not have the experience of using the road has become quite hectic due to the large population using the roads (McNally & Bradley, 2014). This has therefore caused the increase in the rate of road accidents since those with the fake licenses also get access to use the road yet they are not qualified. Poor interpretation and use of the road rules has also been the cause of road accidents. In countries such as the USA roads are equipped with safety rules and even billboards which warn on the dire consequences of reckless use of the roads. Numerous traffic police officers have also been deployed at different stations so as to enhance the safe and smooth traveling to all users safely (Sansone & Sansone, 2010). In countries such as Saudi Arabia, the larger population using the road has ignored the basic safety measures hence the sudden rise in the death toll as compared to the USA as the motorist’s drive recklessly causing accidents. From the inspection also done in Saudi Arabia, vehicular factors seem to cause many accidents in the country. From the motor vehicle inspection program, it has come to the attention of the country that the average condition of the vehicles in Saudi Arabia is worse than that of some states in the USA such as Missouri and California. This therefore tends to explain the drastic rise in the rate of accidents in the country (Bendak & Al-Saleh, 2010). The poorly maintained vehicles are therefore reported to have failed and cause accidents in the Saudi Arabian roads. This has claimed a lot of lives hence the need for control so as to reduce the death toll in the streets of Saudi Arabia. As this issue, has raised a lot of concerned it has become of interest to me to research this matter. The topic not only targets me as a researcher but also to the motorists and the community as a whole. The pandemic has claimed a lot of lives and therefore the need to come together and devise necessary ways to stop the accidents from spreading. For the pandemic to reach the targeted audience there must be the creation of awareness to each and every individual in the fastest means so as to control accidents (Sansone & Sansone, 2010). With this measures also have to be taken. This constitutes the proper education of motorists and also the construction of better roads. With quality rules also put in place there is a chance of reducing the rate at which accidents have claimed the lives of individuals globally.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Reckless driving and traffic accidents have emerged as significant public health concerns in both Saudi Arabia and the United States. These incidents, responsible for a substantial number of fatalities annually, reflect broader issues related to road safety, driver behavior, infrastructure quality, and enforcement of traffic regulations. The rising death tolls in both countries necessitate an in-depth examination of their underlying causes and potential solutions, especially considering the socio-economic impacts and health care burdens associated with road accidents.

Personal Connection and Relevance

My personal interest in this topic stems from observations of the grave consequences of reckless driving within my community. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I have witnessed firsthand the high incidence of traffic accidents, often linked to driver negligence, poor road conditions, and inadequate law enforcement. Conversely, during a visit to the United States, I experienced the difference in traffic safety measures and the lower prevalence of fatal accidents. This contrast sparked my curiosity about the factors contributing to these disparities and motivated me to research how infrastructural, behavioral, and regulatory differences influence road safety outcomes.

My motivation also derives from concern about the broader community impacts, including loss of life, economic costs, and strain on health care systems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective safety policies and promoting responsible driving behaviors. Additionally, I recognize that as traffic volumes increase globally, sharing knowledge and best practices between countries becomes vital for reducing accidents and saving lives.

Comparison of Road Safety in Saudi Arabia and the United States

The stark difference in traffic-related mortality rates between Saudi Arabia and the United States highlights the influence of various infrastructural and regulatory factors. Oman et al. (2018) report that Saudi Arabia has one of the highest traffic death rates globally, with over 66,000 fatalities annually, whereas the USA reports significantly lower numbers. Such disparities are rooted in differences in road infrastructure, driver education, enforcement, and vehicle maintenance practices.

In Saudi Arabia, rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to extensive highway construction; however, the quality and safety standards often lag behind. Many roads are constructed quickly, with limited consideration for safety features such as adequate signage or proper lighting, leading to increased accident risks. Studies such as those by Bendak and Al-Saleh (2010) indicate that poorly maintained roads, potholes, and substandard engineering contribute heavily to crash rates.

Vehicle safety and maintenance are also critical issues. Many vehicles in Saudi Arabia are not regularly inspected or properly maintained, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Conversely, the United States enforces strict vehicle inspection policies, annual licensing renewal, and rigorous driver testing, contributing to lower accident and fatality rates (McNally & Bradley, 2014).

Driver behavior further exacerbates risk levels; in Saudi Arabia, there is a tendency toward speeding, lane weaving, and neglect of safety rules, often compounded by a lack of public awareness campaigns. In the United States, extensive traffic regulation enforcement, public safety campaigns, and the deployment of traffic police help mitigate reckless behavior and enforce accountability (Sansone & Sansone, 2010).

The role of technology in enhancing road safety also differs. American roads utilize advanced traffic management systems, surveillance cameras, and real-time monitoring to enforce traffic laws and respond promptly to incidents. In contrast, Saudi Arabia lags in adopting such technologies, making accident detection and response less efficient.

Impacts and Broader Implications

The consequences of reckless driving extend beyond individual fatalities. Economically, countries face escalating costs associated with emergency response, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), road traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29, emphasizing the social implications of reckless driving.

Furthermore, high accident rates divert healthcare resources toward trauma care, impacting the availability of services for other health conditions. Insurance costs escalate, and family members suffer emotional and financial burdens from loss of life or dependency caused by injuries. These socio-economic impacts underscore the urgency of implementing effective road safety measures.

In terms of policy development, some strategies include improving road design standards, enforcing strict vehicle maintenance inspections, increasing public awareness campaigns targeted at risky behaviors, and deploying advanced traffic management systems. The success of these interventions depends on country-specific factors, including cultural attitudes toward driving, economic resources, and government commitment.

Potential Solutions and Recommendations

Addressing the high incidence of traffic accidents requires a multi-faceted approach. First, enhancing road infrastructure through standardized construction codes and safety features can significantly reduce accident risks. Regular maintenance, pothole repair, and installation of safety signages are fundamental steps. Governments should prioritize safety audits and incorporate technological solutions such as intelligent traffic systems and surveillance cameras to monitor and manage traffic flow effectively.

Second, strengthening law enforcement is crucial. Strict licensing procedures, periodic renewal, and the imposition of penalties for reckless behaviors—speeding, drunk driving, and violations—can modify driver conduct. In this context, public awareness campaigns emphasizing the consequences of reckless driving and promoting responsible behaviors can foster cultural change.

Third, vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols must be standardized and rigorously enforced. This reduces the risk of mechanical failures leading to accidents. International collaborations and knowledge exchange between countries can support capacity building and the adoption of best practices in traffic safety.

Finally, integrating education into driver training programs can improve understanding of road rules and safe driving techniques. Schools and community organizations can implement targeted awareness programs for young and new drivers, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety standards.

Conclusion

The comparison between Saudi Arabia and the United States reveals that investments in infrastructure, enforcement, technology, and public education play vital roles in reducing road traffic accidents. While economic growth and urbanization create increased mobility, ensuring safety requires deliberate policies, technological innovations, and cultural shifts toward responsible driving. As the global population grows and traffic volumes expand, sharing successful strategies across borders and tailoring solutions to local contexts become essential steps in combating this public health crisis. By fostering a culture of safety and accountability, it is possible to significantly mitigate the devastating impacts of reckless driving and road accidents worldwide.

References

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• Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2010). Road Rage: What's Driving It? Psychiatry (Edgmont), 7(7), 14-19.
• Oman, H., et al. (2018). Traffic Safety in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Challenges and Opportunities. Transport Policy, 66, 104-111.
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• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2021). Traffic safety facts: 2020 data. U.S. Department of Transportation.
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