Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Driving matters, not good roads or more stringent laws

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A recent study published from Singapore said that Oman is one of the countries with best roads in the world, but at the same time, according to officials, an accident is recorded in Oman every two hours. Apart from Oman, other countries in the elite list are France, the UAE, Singapore, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Finland and Germany. Why we still talk about fatal accidents, despite the best road network in the world? Of the total 4,721 road accidents reported in 2016, collisions topped the list with 2,076, followed by collision with fixed objects (1,125). With regard to deaths, collision topped the list with 272, followed by pedestrian run-over (149) and vehicles’ overturn (187).


Most accidents took place on Thursdays (743), followed by Tuesdays (702) and Sundays (686). Among the casualties, drivers topped the list with 298, passengers (238) and pedestrians (156). According to J D Power car research, “Nobody wants to be involved in a car crash. But it’s easier to avoid one than you might think.


If you refrain from engaging in the following behaviours, and choose to drive at specific times under favourable weather conditions, chances are that you can avoid getting into an accident for a very long time.”


Influence: Driving under the influence of prohibited substances is one of the biggest causes of car accidents and motor vehicle fatalities.


Either substance impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.


Distraction: A car travels 88 feet per second at 60 mph.


If you look away from the road for two seconds, you’ve driven more than half the length of a football field without looking at the road.


Whether using a smartphone to send a text or using an in-dash navigation system to find an address, it is best to perform these distracting tasks when your car is parked.


Drowsy: When you feel yourself getting sleepy and nodding off while driving, it is strongly recommended that you pull over and either catch a quick nap, get some exercise, or buy a cup of strong coffee.


Reckless driving: Travelling at a rate of speed significantly greater than that of traffic, shopping lanes (constantly switching lanes to try and pass traffic), tailgating slower drivers, and racing other drivers are all primary causes of car accidents.


Refrain from engaging in these behaviours.


Running red lights and stop signs: If your light is red, stop the car.If cross-traffic has a green light, those drivers are not expecting your car to suddenly appear in front of them.


The same is true for intersections with stop signs, if cross-traffic doesn’t have to stop.


Weather: Driving in rainy or foggy conditions increases accident chances because of reduced traction, reduced visibility, or both.


If you can avoid driving at these times, you’ll improve your chances of avoiding an accident.


Late at night: Avoid driving late at night, especially on weekends.


Tyre blowout: If you experience a tyre blowout, it is important to remain calm and keep the vehicle headed in the intended path of travel.


According to a WHO global report (2015) on road safety, Over 1.2 million people die each year on the world’s roads, with millions more sustaining serious injuries and living with long-term adverse health consequences.


Globally, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death among young people, and the main cause of death among those aged 15--29 years.


Road traffic injuries were estimated to be the ninth leading cause of death across all age groups globally, and are predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030.


In addition to deaths on the roads, up to 50 million people incur nonfatal injuries each year as a result of road traffic crashes, the report added.


The same report says that in Oman the drivers of cars and light vehicles (35 per cent) top the death victims of road accidents, followed by passengers of light vehicles (29 per cent) and pedestrians (23 per cent).


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