Despite strict warnings and penal actions, incidents of daring stunts and drifting have gone unabated.
In the latest case, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) booked two people in the Wilayat of Manah for car drifting and creating disturbance in the area. “Two Omanis have been arrested for using their vehicles for drifting and charged with disturbing peace in the area,” the ROP said in a statement posted on its website along with a video of the drifting involving a white-coloured car.
The video showed a person hanging precariously outside the window while the drifting was being watched by some youngsters.
In a tweet, the ROP warned people against drifting. “We hope everyone will abide by traffic rules and make roads safer for users.”
In the recent past, a number of cases of drifting have been reported in different parts of the country, raising an alarm.
In January, four people, including three students, were injured in a drifting accident in Musannah. The driver, who was allegedly drifting, lost control of his vehicle near a school and ploughed into the students.
In June, arrests were made after the video of an individual drifting his vehicle went viral.
Scores of drivers were arrested and their vehicles confiscated by the police for accidents.
According to Omani Traffic Law, drivers who perform drifting stunts on roads can face jail terms of up to three months and can be fined RO 500.
Despite stringent rules, hefty fines and vehicle confiscations, there is still a category of drivers who insists on endangering people’s lives.
“Roads are not meant for drifting. There are dedicated areas with safety standards at different locations, including for those want to do drifting,” said Ahmed al Hamdhani, who is associated with Oman Road Safety Association.
He said those who want to try drifting should approach those associations that have trained experts and designated areas for the purpose.
“Violators of the law should be given stringent punishment along with hefty fines,” he said.
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