His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, announced the launch of the sixth edition of the “Distinguished and Safe Roads” campaign, organized by the General Authority for Roads. This campaign comes within the framework of ongoing national efforts to raise the level of safety and quality of the road network in the Kingdom. His Excellency revealed a remarkable achievement represented by a reduction in road accident fatalities by nearly 60% , reflecting the success of the strategies implemented.
Strategic background within Vision 2030
The road network in Saudi Arabia is a vital artery for economic and social development, given its vast size and its connection between major cities, industrial zones, and border crossings, in addition to its pivotal role in serving pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons. These initiatives fall within the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , specifically the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub and improve the quality of life by providing advanced and safe infrastructure.
Smart surveying technologies: A quantum leap in road management
The current iteration of the campaign aims to conduct a comprehensive survey and assessment of the entire road network outside urban areas, which exceeds 73,000 kilometers in length. For the first time, the campaign is utilizing a suite of advanced technologies known as "smart surveying," including:
- Paint reflectivity measurement: Using specialized compounds to measure the visibility of road markings at night, ensuring accurate results without affecting traffic flow.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Linking all data to their precise geographic locations to facilitate analysis and proactive maintenance decisions.
- Warning vibrations: Applying modern technologies in road markings to alert drivers when they veer off course.
- Control and monitoring room: Activating a control center that enables real-time monitoring and decision support through predictive data analysis.
Al-Jasser explained that the campaign has transformed from an intensive 5-day initiative into a sustainable year-round program, sponsored by the princes of the regions, to ensure the continuity of monitoring and immediate handling of observations.
Local and international impact: Enhancing global leadership
The impact of these efforts extends beyond the local level, where they protect lives and improve the experience of road users; they also enhance the Kingdom's international reputation. These initiatives have contributed to the Kingdom ranking fourth among G20 countries in the road quality index. The strategic goal now is to reach sixth place globally and reduce the fatality rate to less than 5 deaths per 100,000 people. This progress strengthens the Kingdom's attractiveness for foreign investment and tourism, and reinforces its role as a logistical hub connecting three continents.
The General Authority for Roads called on all citizens and residents to actively participate in the campaign by reporting any observations on the road network through the unified call center 938 or through social media channels, stressing that preserving these national assets is a shared responsibility.
