Consulting Services to Establish the Road Safety Laboratory at the National Road Safety Center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia faces significant road safety challenges due to its expansive road network and high vehicle ownership. Despite increased government spending on transportation safety and strategic initiatives, the country’s reliance on cars and low petrol costs have contributed to persistent road accidents. The National Transportation Strategy and Vision 2030 aim to address these issues, but the rising number of vehicles indicates the ongoing struggle to enhance road safety amid increasing transport demands.
Challenge
Saudi Arabia grapples with major road safety challenges due to its vast road network and high vehicle ownership, resulting in significant road crash fatalities and injuries. Despite strategic initiatives and increased government spending on transportation safety, the country’s reliance on cars and low petrol costs have historically contributed to a high rate of road accidents. Efforts under the National Transportation Strategy and Vision 2030 aim to reduce these numbers, but the continuous increase in vehicles suggests an ongoing struggle to enhance road safety amidst growing transport demands.
Solution
The project aims to enhance the National Road Safety Center (NRSC) in Saudi Arabia by establishing a Road Safety Laboratory (RSL), utilizing international expertise. It focuses on providing technical support and advice on road safety, identifying and mitigating accident hotspots, advising on crash investigation procedures, and analyzing accident data to identify safety issues and the impact of risk mitigation strategies. Additionally, the project will develop safety audit programs, analyze medical data from road accidents, adapt the American Road Safety manual to local conditions, and oversee the certification and training of road safety professionals. This initiative seeks to improve road safety management and reduce accidents in the Kingdom.
Outcomes
The Road Safety Laboratory was created and is functioning, developing licensing and certification programs, and providing on-site training and safety audit procedures. Initial stages involved evaluating the current situation, engaging stakeholders, and planning responsibilities. The team, has performed preliminary assessments and discussions, and drafted the Work Activity Plan and Staffing Schedule which was implemented within a framework of 365 days.
