Saudi Arabia: Traffic accidents fall by 60% following nationwide curfew
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | May 2020
The number of traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia has decreased since the government imposed a curfew aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, according to statistics compiled by motor insurance service company, Najm for Insurance Services.
The number of traffic accidents attended to by Najm saw a 59% drop in March, with the lowest number of accidents recorded after the adoption of the curfew between 23 and 31 March 2020, reported Saudi Gazette. No absolute numbers were reported.
Telecommuting has contributed to reducing traffic congestion and consequently, significantly reducing the number of accidents. The cancellation of all events and activities that were scheduled during this period had been an additional factor contributing to the decrease in the number of road accidents.
Najm called on the community to continue to observe the curfew and stay home, limiting their outings to extremely essential activities.
The Saudi authorities announced a nationwide curfew beginning on 23 March, following an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. M