Abstract

Background: Saudi Arabia is having a high incidence of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) leading to a high death rate. Therefore, it requires an evaluation of the risk factors for RTAs and guidelines to decrease the prevalence of road traffic injuries and reduce healthcare burden. This survey analysis aimed to explore the population perception of the management of RTAs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to the general public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questions were in Arabic. The survey consisted of sections including the socio-demographic variables, in addition to questions about population perception and practices related to road traffic safety. Data analysis was done through SPSS program version 22.
Results: The mean score for the whole sample was 54.80 ± 7.181, with a minimum score of 22 and a maximum score of 66. The average score for participants, who did not have accidents previously (55.02 ± 7.274) was non-significantly higher (p = 0.623) than those who had previous accidents (54.70 ± 7.146). There was a significant difference between participants' opinions regarding the most important cause of road accidents (p = 0.033). Also, a significantly higher number of participants who had previous car accidents strongly agree that drivers should be obligated to have car maintenance in particular centers (59.3%) compared to those who did not have previous accidents (p = 0.011).
Conclusion: The general public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showed a satisfactory level of awareness toward RTAs. Further studies in other regions of Saudi Arabia should be performed to figure out the real estimation of perception toward RTAs.

Key words: Perception; management; Road Traffic Accidents.