Manama: Traffic congestions and accidents will cost Kuwait KD 27.430 billion (Dh347,081 billion) in the next ten years as the country tries to shrug off a terrible world record.

According to the Traffic National Strategy, around 200 Kuwaitis are killed and 6,000 are injured annually in traffic accidents, giving Kuwait the world's top ranking in the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents.

More than 25,000 Kuwaitis, mostly relatives of those involved in accidents, are affected every year, the strategy, prepared by an international expert, said.

The money to be spent by Kuwait to deal with accidents will represent around 6 per cent of its annual gross domestic product.

Despite its small total population of around three million people, Kuwait has witnessed an increasing rate of accidents and injuries.

Last December, Mahmoud Al Dosari, interior ministry's assistant undersecretary and head of the traffic department stressed the significance of chalking out an all-out traffic strategy to solve traffic issues plaguing Kuwait.

The traffic strategy was launched by the interior ministry in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Supreme Council for Planning and Development to create and effective transport system by reducing traffic congestion and the economic and environmental problems arising from it.

The strategy also aims to ensure safer roads by reducing road accidents and the subsequent social and economic costs shouldered on the government and people.