Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The 40,000 traffic accidents that occurred in the Kingdom in 2012 cost the country SR21 billion, Alsharq daily reported. The executive manager of Protocol company, Abdulaziz Al-Rabei, said 30 percent of traffic accidents have resulted in permanent disabilities to the victims. The accidents also resulted in 7,000 deaths, with 72 percent of the victims aged 18 to 22. During a safety driving campaign, Riyadh Emir Prince Khalid Bin Bandar stressed that traffic accidents are inflicting great economic and social damage to the country. He noted more penalties would be implemented to curb traffic accidents. "In addition, a study is under way to set up short and long term plans for traffic safety," he said. Head of public security Maj. Gen. Othman Al-Mehrej said it is impossible to prevent traffic accidents and they are a worldwide problem.
