14/08/2005
By Mounif Al-Safouqi

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat-Traffic reports and studies presented by Saudi universities and local traffic departments reveal that women cause around 50% of traffic accidents, despite not being allowed to drive.

According to the studies, reasons behind road accidents involving women are usually caused by their lack of knowledge of road traffic rule and regulations. Some actions include opening the car door without paying attention to on-coming traffic is common. Marital quarrels are another main although overlooked reason.

Official statistics indicate that nearly 65,000 deaths and 50,000 injuries resulted from 800,000 accidents during the years from 1971 to 1995. Comparatively high, recent statistics show 1.5 million accidents during the last thirty years.

The studies also show that 78 % of victims are less than 45 years of age. Moreover, statistics provided by the Ministry of Health refer to the fact that one fifth of these numbers are kids under the age of 15.