Muscat: Jaywalking or crossing the main roads at places not designated for the same, is an offense, and one can be fined and legal action can be taken if found repeating the offence.
Jaywalking is illegal and a danger to the community for it invites accidents jeopardizing the lives of self as well as others, a Royal Oman Police (ROP) official said.
According to the Director General of Traffic, there will be a fine of RO 10 for those who jaywalk, which can go up to three months in jail for repeat offenders.
“It is all about creating harm and risking one’s life as well as others. Pedestrians should not jaywalk in such a way that it hampers traffic and puts lives in danger,” the source added.
There are occasions when people cut across main roads risking their lives just to save a few minutes, which, they often don’t realize is at the risk of their lives.
However, although cars may be identified by their number plates, it is often difficult to report a jaywalker.
Statistics indicate that the number of pedestrians getting killed has risen in the recent past mostly due to ignorance of those who are crossing the roads or due to their reluctance to use pedestrian bridges near them.
“Jaywalkers who are victims of road accidents often are ignorant blue-collar workers or those who are reluctant to use the pedestrian bridge just near them leading to accidents that can be fatal for both the motorists and the pedestrians,” the source said.
According to Royal Decree No 38/2016, walking on the road is defined as crossing at an appropriate place for pedestrians, including marked pedestrian crossings, squares, corridors, tunnels, and bridges and any attempt to cross the road anywhere else is a crime.
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