Traffic accidents in the region cause annual losses of more than US$25 billion, according to an Arab official.
In a statement marking Arab Traffic Week, Mohamed bin Ali Koman, the secretary general of the Arab Interior Ministers Council (AIMC), said that 80 percent of the losses are caused by people.
He added that despite state-of-the-art systems in auto manufacturing, using the vehicles incorrectly or disobeying traffic rules causes accidents.
Koman said that AIMC's general secretariat prepares research studies and conferences to curb traffic accidents and counter their negative impacts on Arab societies.
He said traffic problems essentially amount to a behavioral issue that is depends on individual committment to traffic rules.
Traffic safety involves adopting programs, plans and regulations that protect people behind the wheel, Koman said.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
