The Royal Oman Police (ROP) issued a warning to motorists that driving slowly on speed tracks without a valid reason is a serious traffic violation. Such behaviour not only disrupts traffic flow, but also increases the likelihood of accidents.
Lieutenant Colonel Saif bin Ahmed al Ramadhani, Director of the Executive Office, National Committee for Road Safety at the DG of Traffic Safety, stressed that drivers must maintain the minimum designated speed in each lane. Those who wish to drive slower should use the designated slow lanes without compromising their own safety or that of others.
“Driving slowly on main roads’ left lanes confuses other drivers, obstructs traffic and violates the executive regulations of the Traffic Law,” he said. The ROP has observed drivers travelling at 80 km/h in lanes where the speed limit is 120 km/h or failing to yield to faster vehicles approaching from behind, causing unnecessary delays and risks.
Colonel Khamis bin Ali al Battashi, Assistant Director-General of Traffic, added that what some perceive as ‘safer’ slow driving can actually cause congestion, confusion and accidents, particularly on high-density roads. Common causes include inexperience, traffic anxiety, mobile phone distractions and lack of awareness of proper lane usage.
Such slow driving can create the illusion of traffic jams on single-lane roads, even when the slowdown is caused by just one vehicle. This disruption affects all road users and increases the potential for collisions.
To curb this behaviour, advanced speed control radars are now being deployed to detect vehicles travelling below minimum speed limits. Alongside enforcement, the ROP is conducting intensive awareness campaigns via patrols, media, social media, road signage and educational visuals, highlighting the dangers of slow driving and promoting safer, smoother traffic flow.
“These combined efforts aim to ensure that highways, designed for speeds of no less than 80 km/h, are used safely and efficiently,” said Al Ramadhani.
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