Muscat: The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has launched an extensive social media campaign to raise awareness of traffic rules and educate the public, especially those traveling to Salalah and other parts of the Sultanate of Oman for their vacations. The campaign focuses on highlighting the dangers of incorrect traffic acts including overtaking, using mobile phones, among others.
ROP highlighted restricted areas where overtaking is prohibited such as intersections, roundabouts, and curves, where limited visibility and the potential for collisions pose significant risks. Overtaking is also forbidden on hills, slopes, slippery roads, and near pedestrian crossings due to safety concerns. These overtaking restrictions are implemented to ensure the safety of all road users and minimise the occurrence of accidents in potentially hazardous situations. Drivers should always be aware of and comply with these regulations to maintain road safety.
Driving with the headlights turned on at night is crucial for safety reasons. This requirement applies to both well-lit and dark areas, as well as on roads and off-road situations, regardless of whether the location is populated or not.
When a driver briefly glances at their phone screen while driving, it may seem like a momentary distraction. However, during that time, the vehicle covers a significant distance without the driver paying attention to the road conditions. At an urban driving speed of 50 km/h, the vehicle travels approximately 14 metres in just one second. This diversion of attention increases the risk of a serious car accident as the driver's focus shifts from observing the road, anticipating hazards, and making necessary adjustments. It is crucial to avoid phone distractions while driving to ensure road safety.
Pedestrians are strongly advised to use sidewalks whenever available as they provide a dedicated space separated from the road, offering a higher level of safety. In the absence of sidewalks, pedestrians should walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This allows pedestrians to have better visibility of approaching vehicles, react promptly, and make necessary adjustments. Walking on the left side also facilitates establishing eye contact with drivers, further enhancing pedestrian safety.
SAFETY OF CHILDREN
The safety of children during car journeys is of utmost importance. Placing children in the front seat of a vehicle is strongly discouraged due to safety considerations. Instead, it is highly recommended to use the rear seat and provide a dedicated child seat for optimal safety.
Studies have demonstrated that using the rear seat along with a dedicated child seat can reduce the risk of injuries by approximately 45 per cent compared to placing a child in the front seat without proper restraints, confirmed ROP.
This significant risk reduction highlights the importance of following these guidelines and prioritising children's safety during car trips.
By following these practices, pedestrians can minimise the risk of accidents and contribute to a safer road environment.
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