Survey to assess economic cost of road injuries begins

MUSCAT, DEC 31
Funded by His Majesty’s Research Grant, a survey to assess and evaluate the costs and effects of road accidents on the nation using the TRACE (Tracking Road Accident Costs and Effects) household method will begin this week, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) which announced that the survey will be jointly coordinated by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the Ministry of Social Development.
The goal of the survey is to comprehensively quantify the economic and social impact of road injury outcomes in Oman. Lieutenant Colonel Dr Saif al Ramadhani from the ROP emphasised that road crash injuries, disabilities, or deaths impose a heavy and often hidden burden on both Omani families and the nation as a whole.
Despite their impact, the true scale and economic cost of road injuries are not fully understood. Data from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) revealed that compensation paid to road crash victims in 2024 alone amounted to RO 21.1 million, while estimates suggest that overall costs may exceed RO 100 million. Medical expenses, social protection benefits related to disability and lost income due to absence from work further compound the financial burden.
The project aims to address this critical evidence gap. The study involves key public institutions in Oman and seeks to answer the question of how much road injuries, disabilities, and deaths cost Omani families and the nation.
The interdisciplinary team of national and international experts leading the research includes Dr Amira al Amri, Staff Lieutenant Colonel Dr Saif al Ramadhani and Dr Islam al Balushi. Preliminary findings are expected to be disseminated by 2027, focusing on translating evidence into effective policy action.
Workshops have been held to refine the study design, data collection tools, and data collection protocols.
The team is supported by Dr Abdullah al Maniri and Prof Sabu S Padmadas. Other core team members from SQU include Dr Ahmed al Hadi, Prof Mohammed al Azri and Dr Aseela al Harthy, with research support provided by Emina Mekic.