Two fatal road accidents on routes linking Dhofar with other parts of Oman have raised fresh concerns over road safety, prompting the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to urge motorists to exercise greater caution, especially during long journeys and the busy Khareef season.
A teacher and her three children lost their lives in a tragic crash in the Nimr area while returning from Dhofar after their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer and overturned.
The incident left students, colleagues and residents of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali mourning the loss of the family. The teacher, who worked at Douhat Al Ilm School, belonged to the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands. A fifth passenger injured in the accident was airlifted to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah for treatment.
Hours later, another accident on the same route claimed the life of a woman, while her husband and a friend sustained serious injuries and were admitted to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah. The accident occurred while they were returning from Haima.
The incidents have sparked concerns among motorists travelling long distances to Dhofar, particularly as thousands of visitors head to the governorate during the Khareef season.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of the crashes, the ROP has stressed the importance of responsible driving. Motorists have been urged to follow traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, avoid mobile phone use while driving, and ensure they are well rested before undertaking long journeys.
Before travelling, motorists are advised to check tyres, brakes, oil levels and windshield wipers, maintain clear visibility by ensuring washer fluid is available, and carry emergency supplies such as water, warm clothing and basic essentials.
Drivers heading towards remote areas are also advised to refuel before leaving towns, as service stations may be limited along some routes.
Visitors travelling through Dhofar’s mountain roads should drive carefully, especially during fog, rain and reduced visibility. Motorists are advised to maintain safe distances, avoid sudden lane changes and unnecessary overtaking, and use appropriate lanes to allow smooth movement of heavy vehicles.
Drivers should reduce speed on wet roads, as tyre grip decreases during rainy conditions. If visibility becomes extremely poor, motorists should safely pull over, use hazard lights and wait until conditions improve.
ROP has advised drivers to use dipped headlights during fog and rainfall, avoid using fog lights in rain due to glare from wet surfaces, and keep air conditioning systems running to prevent windows from fogging.
Hazard lights should only be used when vehicles are stopped or during emergencies, as their use while driving can confuse other motorists.
With visitors often stopping to capture Dhofar’s scenic landscapes, motorists are reminded to park safely away from traffic before filming or taking photographs. Vehicles should not obstruct roads, block heavy trucks or be parked on green pastures.
Families travelling with children are also advised to ensure young passengers remain safe inside vehicles and avoid placing hands outside moving cars.
Visitors are further encouraged to avoid preparing food using fire or charcoal at tourist locations to protect public safety and the environment.
As Dhofar welcomes visitors during the Khareef season, authorities have reiterated that careful driving, patience and awareness are key to ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely.
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