Evaluating the Effectiveness of the SAHER System in Enhancing Road Safety: Insights from Experts on Traffic Accidents in Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

Road traffic accidents are a major global challenge, causing significant public health and economic burdens. In Saudi Arabia, the rapid increase in motorization and urbanization has led to one of the world's highest traffic fatality rates. This study examines the effectiveness of the SAHER traffic enforcement system in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) using insights from 23 road safety experts through structured questionnaires and interviews. The analysis highlights that SAHER has improved compliance with traffic laws and enhanced road safety perceptions but remains limited in its scope and coverage. Key findings identify driver distractions, speeding, and sudden lane changes as the leading causes of accidents, with younger drivers disproportionately involved. Experts emphasize the need for enhancements to SAHER, including increasing the number and strategic rotation of cameras, addressing additional violations such as aggressive driving, and improving coverage near schools and high-pedestrian areas. Recommendations include integrating SAHER into future urban planning, combining automated enforcement with public education campaigns, and improving traffic infrastructure, such as signage and signal operations. This study provides valuable insights into the role of automated enforcement in improving road safety and offers actionable strategies for policymakers to address traffic-related challenges and promote sustainable urban mobility in Saudi Arabia.