The General Traffic Department released these figures during a traffic safety meeting Tuesday, ahead of the introduction of new penalties, starting Saturday, against drivers found at fault in road accidents. “Strategic and visionary plans need to be in place to curb this increasing problem of traffic accidents and deaths,” said Col. Ali Al-Rashedi, representative of the traffic department, during the meeting at King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh. He said Saudi Arabia's road accident rate that has been steadily increasing over the years. At least seven percent of the injured in road accidents end up being quadriplegic – with all four limbs paralyzed – he said.4.3 million Number of traffic accidents in KSA in the last 20 years.697,580 Number of people killed or injured in traffic accidents in KSA in the last 20 years.86,510 Number of people killed in traffic accidents in KSAin the last 20 years.611,070 Number of people injured in traffic accidents in KSA in the last 20 years.Note these penalties, starting Sat. Following are the new penalties to be introduced, starting Saturday: • 15 days in jail for causing a traffic accident. • 30 days in jail for a hit-and-run driver. • 15 days in jail for the driver at fault in an accident in which another driver or passenger is to be hospitalized for less than a month. This decision will be based on the medical report. • At least 30 days in jail for the guilty driver if the person he injured needs to stay more than 30 days in hospital. • At least 2 months in jail for the guilty driver if the person he injured suffers long-lasting disability. • Region's emirate to decide on the punishment if the driver at fault causes death. Bail is currently allowed in all these cases. – Okaz/SG Worst in road accidents 1.Makkah region 2. Riyadh region 3. Eastern region Highest deaths in road accidents 1. Baha region 2. Northern Frontiers 3. Al
