Muscat: A staggering 10,229 traffic offences involving the use of mobile phones while driving were registered last year, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced this week.
Although the use of mobile phones while driving is not among the principal causes of dangerous accidents on Oman's road, it is a significant contributor, say authorities.
Citing studies, the ROP report noted that mobile phone-use – whether involving voice calls, or the reading or texting of messages – diminishes the concentration and alertness of the driver, thereby endangering the safety of road users.
Oman's government has made road safety a major priority ahead of next month's national symposium on the issue, which will be convened on the royal directives of Sultan Qaboos.
The five-day symposium, which will be held from May 15, focuses on the theme Yes for Limiting Road Accidents.
A panel constituted by the Council of Ministers is currently studying proposals for strengthening road safety.
The panel includes experts drawn from the Council of Oman, government departments, Royal Oman Police, and ministries of Justice, Legal Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Transport and Communications, Information and Social Development.
A recent report by the World Health Organisation has placed the sultanate 57th in a global ranking of countries with a serious incidence of road mishaps.
