One road accident every two hours in Sultanate

By Kaushalendra Singh and Zainab al Nassri — MUSCAT, March 12 - One road accident was recorded every two hours in the Sultanate in 2016, hitting at total of 4,721 accidents, which resulted in 3,261 injuries and 692 deaths, according to National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Over speeding topped the table with 53 per cent accidents, resulting in injuries of 2,052 and causing 378 deaths. Meanwhile, there has been a sharp decline in run-overs, overturning incidents and collision with fixed objects in the country, despite the fact that the number of vehicles and licensed drivers has gone up sharply. The facts were explained by the policemen involved in traffic and road safety on the occasion of an exhibition organised at Dhofar University to mark the GCC Road Safety Week 2017.

They cited national statistics, which stated year-wise numbers of road accidents from 2007 to 2016. There had been drastic drop in collision cases from 5,000 in 2007 to 2,076 in 2016. In these two comparison years (2016-2007) the drop in incidents of run over was down 728 from 990; overturn 792 from 1,148; collision with fixed objects, 1,125 from 1,677; total number of accidents 4,721 from 8,816 and deaths 692 from 798. There has been a slight increase in number of injuries to 3,261 from 3,110. Noticeable increase has been seen in the number of licences issued in 2016. It stood at 1,425,581 against 718,697 in 2007. The total number of vehicles in 2016 stood at 1,370,913.

Against the backdrop of these data, the exhibition threw light on how to prevent accidents, road fatalities and make roads in Oman safer.

The exhibition opened under the auspices of Abdullah bin Aqeel al Ibrahim, Acting Deputy Governor of Dhofar. Present on the occasion were top ROP brass from Dhofar Governorate, a large number officials from the traffic wing of the ROP, and exhibitors from Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA), Public Prosecution, Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP, and Dhofar University.

Salem Ahmed al Amri had put up an individual stall with eye catching messages to avoid talking or texting while driving. He also showcased a hand-made replica of the newly operation Itin over bridge. Though it was an old replica done by him, it evoked huge interest from the exhibition visitors due to meticulously done handwork and eye catching traffic safety signage.

The PACDA showcased various tools of rescue operation in the event of any accident.

The PCADA officials also demonstrated some safety measures to avoid accidents and meet them with a presence of mind.

The ROP officials were seen convincing the visitors to adopt the best practices while driving and importance of traffic rules and regulations.

An ROP official said such events give us an opportunity to interact with the local community, particularly the youths and children, to make them understand why safety measures are important while driving.

At the PACP stall the representatives tried to explain the visitors the difference between original and fake spare parts and asked them to be extra cautious while replacing parts and tyres.

They showed a video exposing the modus operandi of some people who were trying to cheat customers by converting old tyres into those looking like new. “It is very dangerous because in this bad practice used tyres are given new look.

Basically they are rejected tyres but due to some unethical treatment they look like new and they are prone to accidents,” said said Ali Salim al Basrawi, In-Charge of Salalah branch of the PACP.

The exhibition will continue for two days in which student visitors from some local schools are expected, while the ROP has decided to organise road safety programmes in various schools in Salalah.