MUSCAT: Despite continuous national efforts to promote road safety, unsafe practices persist on Omani roads, notably carrying passengers in areas not designated for people, such as the backs of pickup trucks or cargo spaces.
Some drivers justify these actions due to short distances or limited transport options, but safety experts warn that such behaviour dramatically increases the risk of severe injury or death. These areas lack essential safety features like seatbelts and airbags, leaving passengers vulnerable during sudden stops or collisions.
Several tragic incidents in recent years have seen passengers fall from open trucks or cargo vehicles, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided with adherence to traffic laws.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) Traffic Department confirms that carrying passengers in unsafe areas is among the most dangerous violations observed. Authorities have intensified monitoring to curb these practices and ensure public safety.
Oman’s Traffic Law, under Royal Decree No 38/2018, explicitly prohibits transporting people in non-designated areas. Article 31 states: “It is prohibited to carry persons in areas not designated for passengers or to allow them to board or alight while the vehicle is moving.” Article 32 requires drivers to ensure passenger safety and not exceed the vehicle’s registered capacity.
Violations may result in fines from RO 10 to RO 50, vehicle impoundment in repeated or severe cases, and criminal liability if injuries or fatalities occur.
Employers, including business owners, contractors, and farm operators, are also responsible under occupational safety regulations. The Ministry of Labour stresses that providing safe, suitable transportation for workers is mandatory, and using cargo vehicles or open trucks for passenger transport violates both traffic and workplace safety laws.
The ROP emphasises that awareness is the first line of defence. Campaigns target the public, especially in industrial and agricultural areas, to highlight the dangers of transporting passengers in unsafe locations.
Recent statistics show a decline in traffic accidents in Oman, reflecting enforcement and public awareness efforts. Yet, some unsafe habits persist, posing challenges to the nation’s goal of zero road fatalities.
Authorities warn that insurance companies may deny compensation for accidents involving illegally transported passengers, leaving drivers or employers financially liable.
“Adhering to traffic laws is not just a legal obligation but a reflection of civic responsibility and respect for human life,” the ROP stated. “Every seat in a vehicle is designed with safety in mind; any deviation poses a serious hazard. Road safety is a shared responsibility, starting with individual awareness and decision-making.”
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