Muscat - The Royal Oman Police (ROP) will celebrate Gulf Traffic Week on Sunday under the slogan "Driving without a Phone" to raise awareness of the dangers of this behavior to lives and property, as using a mobile phone while driving is one of the most prominent challenges threatening traffic safety.
Brigadier Engineer Ali bin Salim al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, said that the Gulf Traffic Week slogan, "Driving Without a Phone," carries profound awareness-raising connotations, reflecting the commitment of traffic departments in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to combat one of the most dangerous behaviors that threatens the safety of road users.
He said the slogan focuses on the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, and the distraction and lack of focus it causes, leading to serious, avoidable accidents. The slogan conveys a direct and simple message: safety begins with a decision, and driving requires complete vigilance.
He added that this slogan comes at a time when statistics confirm that using a mobile phone while driving has become a leading cause of accidents, making this approach a necessary step toward safer roads.
He stated that using a mobile phone while driving is one of the behaviors that most negatively impacts traffic safety, as it distracts the driver and reduces concentration, which increases the likelihood of accidents.
From a human perspective, this behavior may lead to loss of life or serious injuries, in addition to the resulting psychological and societal repercussions. He pointed out that international statistics have shown that no less than 25 percent of accidents recorded annually are directly related to the use of a mobile phone while driving, whether for calls, text messages, or browsing applications.
He stated that despite widespread awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, some drivers still engage in this behavior for a variety of reasons, most notably the desire to save time and avoid stopping, as well as an overconfidence in their ability to control the vehicle while distracted by their phone—a confidence that has been proven false by studies. The reasons for this behavior also stem from a lack of traffic awareness and a lack of a sense of responsibility among some drivers.
Regarding the strategies implemented by the General Traffic Department to raise awareness of the dangers of these behaviors, the Brigadier Engineer, Director General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, indicated that the department relies on a set of comprehensive strategies to reduce traffic accidents, including those related to mobile phone usage behavior.
He explained that these strategies include intensive awareness programs implemented through lectures and publications in schools and universities, in addition to cooperation with traffic safety institutes to disseminate sound traffic culture. Statistics indicate a tangible response from society, as we have witnessed a decline in accident and injury rates in recent years, despite the challenges posed by the increasing number of vehicles and drivers, reflecting the effectiveness of the programs and the growing community awareness.
The Royal Oman Police has begun expanding the use of smart systems to monitor traffic violations, especially mobile phone use while driving. This is done by activating advanced camera systems that rely on artificial intelligence to analyze images and accurately determine the type of violation without any human intervention. These systems also enable the monitoring of traffic and the identification of congested areas and vehicles required for security purposes.
After extensive testing on the roads of the Sultanate of Oman, these technologies were adopted, expressing his hope that they would contribute effectively to reducing violations and accidents.
He called on drivers, especially young people, to adhere to traffic rules and etiquette and to completely stop using their phones while driving, so that everyone can be an active partner in achieving safer roads for all.
On the other hand, the General Traffic Department of the Royal Oman Police will organize an awareness exhibition tomorrow on various aspects of traffic safety at the Mall of Oman in Muscat Governorate.
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