Tunis: The Council of Arab Interior Ministers has called for the enhancement of traffic safety awareness programs to mitigate traffic accidents and ensure the safety of citizens across Arab countries. This initiative was announced by the Council's Secretary General, Mohammad Koman, in a statement marking the Arab Traffic Week, which is commemorated annually by member states from May 4 to 10.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Koman emphasized the severity of traffic accidents, equating their impact to that of epidemics and wars, as they claim millions of lives and pose a significant challenge for Arab nations. With the advancement of transportation, Koman stressed the necessity of boosting traffic awareness among road users.
Koman drew attention to the substantial losses resulting from traffic accidents. He cited the World Health Organization's latest statistics, which reveal that such accidents result in over 1.19 million deaths annually and cause serious injuries to 20 to 50 million individuals, many of whom are left with disabilities.
The statistical bulletin on traffic accidents in the Arab region for 2023, issued by the General Secretariat and based on data from 11 Arab countries, reported 286,005 traffic accidents. This amounts to a rate of 323 accidents per 100,000 vehicles, resulting in 12,670 deaths and 118,675 injuries. Koman described these figures as a "catastrophe" for Arab societies that are in dire need of the resources and wealth being lost due to these accidents. He noted that in seven Arab countries alone, the losses are estimated at approximately USD 2.8 billion.
The Council of Arab Interior Ministers prioritizes traffic safety and is committed to enhancing awareness and coordinating efforts among member states. This is achieved through the development of strategies, plans, programs, guides, and guidelines.
Based in Tunis, the council also organizes an annual conference for traffic department heads to address traffic-related issues on a regional level, explore causes and repercussions, and generate recommendations for effective solutions.