As Khareef season unfolds, the Dhofar Governorate transforms into a bustling destination, attracting tourists from both within the Sultanate of Oman and abroad. Travellers should be prepared for the influx of visitors and plan accordingly to fully enjoy the unique autumn atmosphere.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) confirms its readiness to serve visitors to the governorate and strengthen its current centres in the governorates of Dhofar, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah, and Al Wusta) with manpower and machinery, in addition to deploying seven points on the roads leading to the governorate.
But it is necessary to ensure a successful and safe trip to adhere to some important basics and guidelines before and during the trip.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, represented by the Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, has made continuous efforts to raise its readiness for the season. Bakhit bin Salem al Awaed, Director, Roads Department in Al Wusta Governorate, says, “The department is working to remove sand from the roads leading to Dhofar Governorate such as the Adam-Thamrait road, Sinaw-Duqm-Hasik road, Al Ashkharah-Mahout road, in addition to Mahout-Al Zamaim road.”
The Director of the Roads Department also confirmed that the department continuously carries out periodic maintenance work for all road networks in the governorate by installing and changing many indicative and directive regulations on all roads in the governorate.
Realising the importance of following safety instructions before travelling is a way to maintain safety and the safety of others. This should be at the forefront of your priorities while planning and preparing trips to Dhofar Governorate.
Make sure to familiarise yourself with the rest points and vehicle catering service stations on your itinerary. Choose an appropriate time to move and stop for a rest if you feel tired and exhausted, and adhere to safety rules.
The first step towards safety and security measures before the trip is to conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the vehicle.
This will ensure the safety of its parts, and equipping it with the necessary tools such as a trimming rope and a small first aid bag, and making sure that there is a fire extinguisher that it is in working condition.
It is necessary to study the route of the trip by identifying the locations of rest points and oil stations along the road. Also one must know the emergency numbers and the locations of the Civil Defence Authority and ambulance points spread on the route to Dhofar Governorate.
Traffic safety is very important, especially with the peak traffic density during Khareef season. Everyone must follow traffic rules, adhere to correct lane, legal speed, and avoid using mobile phones while driving, and avoid overtaking from the shoulder of the road.
During the trip, vehicles must be stopped in case the engine overheats, in addition to adhering to security and safety procedures while refuelling, such as turning off the engine.
It is also important to adhere to wearing seat belts for all passengers and place children in the safety seats allocated to them inside the vehicle. Furthermore, focusing on the weather conditions while driving, and in the event of a sudden weather change, commit to reducing the vehicle speed, avoiding excessive speed, and adhering to the speed limit for each road.
During traffic accidents, stop your vehicle away from the accident, use the vehicle’s dual traffic lights to alert other vehicles, and call for help at the emergency number (9999).
Safe access to Dhofar Governorate also requires safety measures. Upon arriving at your residence, if you smell a gas leak at your place of residence, open the doors and windows, do not use any heat source, and move family members outside, while closing the gas cylinder valve if possible.
During the season, CDAA intensifies safety awareness efforts by adopting an intensive awareness plan through all media and distributing awareness brochures among all segments of society.
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