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- ‘Over 190,000 traffic accidents recorded in 2024’
- ‘One traffic injury every 30 minutes in last year’
AMMAN —The Kingdom recorded a traffic injury every 30 minutes in 2024, according to the Annual Traffic Accidents Report released by the Public Security Directorate.
The report revealed that one pedestrian is hit every two hours and one fatality is recorded every 16 hours, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing road safety in the Kingdom.
“A total of 190,175 traffic accidents were recorded in 2024, of which 11,950 resulted in injuries. These incidents led to 543 deaths, 855 serious injuries, 6,597 moderate injuries, and 10,823 minor injuries.” According to the report. Adding that the accidents occurred across various parts of the country but were most concentrated in urban areas with higher population density.
Collisions represented the majority of injury-related accidents, representing 57.7 per cent of all such cases. Accidents resulting in fatalities made up 4.1 per cent of the total.” The report showed.
Despite significant improvements in infrastructure and transport networks over recent decades, road accidents continue to pose a serious threat to public safety. “In 2024, Jordan’s population reached 11.734 million, while the number of registered vehicles rose to 2,008,765. In addition, 783,156 foreign vehicles entered the country during the same period.” The report added.
Vehicle ownership in Jordan has grown sharply over the years. In 1970, there was one vehicle for every 69 people. By 2024, the rate had increased to one vehicle for every six people, according to the report.
The figures have sparked concern among the public.
“Accidents are happening all the time, particularly in Amman,” said Omar Said, a daily commuter. “Many people drive carelessly, and many ignore traffic laws. It makes the roads feel unsafe.”
Rand Khushman, a Jordanian sociologist, commented that road behaviour reflects deeper societal patterns. “Driving habits are influenced by stress, a lack of awareness, and, in many cases, poor enforcement. Without targeted public campaigns, the problem will persist.”
From an economic standpoint, the impact is considerable. Waseem Hussein, an economist, said, “Traffic accidents place a heavy burden on the economy. Beyond medical expenses, they reduce productivity, strain emergency services, and increase insurance costs.”
The findings underscore the urgent need to enhance road safety efforts through education, law enforcement, and continued investment in safer road infrastructure.