The Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies states that road accidents could become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. Researchers compared the impact of road accidents in the MENA region by examining data from 21 countries and about 400 million people.
As MENA countries grow and urbanize rapidly, so does the need for smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation networks. This brings us to ask a compelling question: Can building greener roads help reduce accidents?
Below, we’ll discuss how sustainable infrastructure and smart technology are changing road safety, and why it matters for the Middle East and North Africa.
Rethinking Roads
Traditional road design has long focused on accommodating traffic volume and speed. Nonetheless, the World Road Association says that safety in the earliest stages of road planning is essential to prevent accidents rather than react to them.
Sustainable road design takes it further by factoring in environmental impact, human behavior, and long-term resilience. Better drainage systems, recycled materials, solar-powered lighting, and green medians reduce the carbon footprint and make roads more visible and less hazardous.
Smarter Infrastructure Through Tech
Sustainable roads don’t come down to the materials used. It’s basically about making roads “smart.” Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), sensors, and satellite imaging play an increasing role in road safety enhancements.
AI and Predictive Safety
AI can detect patterns and predict potential accident hotspots. For example, data-driven traffic management systems can analyze congestion trends and adjust signals in real-time to prevent accidents before they happen. Autonomous vehicles (AVs), powered by AI, promise a future with fewer human errors on the road.
Although not yet widespread in the MENA region, the economic implications of AVs are significant. The Economics Observatory notes that AVs could lower insurance costs, reduce traffic-related injuries, and reshape urban planning.
Satellite Eyes in the Sky
The World Economic Forum highlights how satellite technology transforms road safety with real-time monitoring of conditions.
The technology helps city planners and engineers identify damaged roads, illegal encroachments, and other hazards quickly.
Local Innovation: ScanWAI
MENA is not a passive consumer of road tech. Regional innovator ScanWAI has developed infra-monitoring systems that scan and analyze road conditions. Using AI and machine learning, their real-time updates assist municipalities in the region in maintaining safer, longer-lasting roads.
Legal and Economic Incentives
Laws and regulations must evolve alongside infrastructure. But what happens when accidents still occur As part of its 2025 infrastructure goals, Atlanta, Georgia, advocated prioritizing sustainable transportation networks. Propel ATL emphasized the urgent need for sidewalks, protected bike lanes, safe crossings, and bus lanes.
The U.S. city has an average of over 30,000 road accidents reported annually. Propel ATL’s petition couldn’t come at a better time. Ask any Atlanta car accident lawyer, and they’ll say they have their hands full with personal injury claims.
Cities like Atlanta hold negligent parties accountable and ensure victims are compensated fairly. TorHoerman Law says that under Georgia law, injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians have the right to seek compensation.
The same principles apply in the MENA context. However, legal frameworks must adapt to new tech and sustainable designs, guarantee justice, and encourage compliance.
Design That Protects People and the Planet
Road design that considers sustainability is inherently safer. Narrower roads, better pedestrian crossings, dedicated bike lanes, and more visible signage contribute to fewer collisions.
In Dubai and Doha, urban planners incorporate green spaces and multi-modal transit systems into road networks. These features lower emissions and promote walking and public transport, two modes associated with lower accident rates when compared to car travel.
Can the MENA Region Lead the Way?
Ambitious projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Masdar City in Abu Dhabi show that the region is ready to become a global leader in green infrastructure. As climate concerns and car ownership rise, integrating technology, design, and law into road systems could create a safer future for everyone.
Being in a car accident and dealing with an unscrupulous insurance company is the last thing anyone wants. Besides filing a car accident claim and enlisting personal injury lawyers, the trauma and paperwork that accompany such an experience can be avoided if governments and civil society work together to improve road conditions.
The journey toward more sustainable roads doesn’t stop at eco-friendly asphalt. It involves AI that predicts crashes, urban planning that puts pedestrians first, and laws that ensure everyone plays by the rules.
For MENA residents, it’s about leading the charge toward a smarter, safer future where roads are designed to protect the lives of those who use them.
