A study on road traffic accidents in Arar, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are responsible for a substantial portion of morbidity and mortality and are responsible for more years of life lost than most human diseases. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to determine the type and contributing factors to RTAs in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. Participants and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on randomly selected drivers in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia, KSA. Data were collected from 407 drivers aged between 18 and more than 55 years using predesigned questionnaires, which include questions designed to achieve the study objectives. Results RTAs were frequent with persons aged less than 20 years old, with a percentage of 36.9%, followed by 33.9% in the age between 20 and 35 years old and just 1.7% above 50 years. Distraction habits while driving were as follows: 49.6% use the cellphone while they drive and 30.5% smoke. Most of the RTAs happened during sunny weather (63.9%) and rainy weather (13.5%). The most frequent occurrences of RTAs were angle collision (40.8%), back collision (19.9%), and hitting a fixed object (13.3%). Place of accidents was main road in 43.2% followed by crossroad in 20.9 and 11.3% at traffic light site. Limbs, head, and upper body parts were the most injuries (35.1, 23.6, and 10.6%, respectively). After treatment, 3.4% of the injured drivers have distortion as a permanent disability, 2.9% have paralysis, and 2.5% have a limp. In all, 5.2% of the accidents resulted in one death, 2.5% resulted in two deaths, and 86% of the accidents did not result in any deaths. Conclusion and recommendations The findings of the present study will be helpful in the prevention of RTAs and its associated complications and hence will be vital for policymakers, health service managers, and stakeholders.