Ruler concerned over rising road fatalities in Oman

Muscat: Over two deaths everyday due to road traffic accidents and the increasing rate of fatalities has prompted Oman’s leader Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed to appeal to residents of the country to show restraint on roads for the safety of everyone.

“It is better to reach safe than on a stretcher,” the Omani leader said during his ‘Meet-the-People tour in Batinah region in the north of the country.

During an interaction with the shaikhs and dignitaries from the wilayats of Al Batinah region and Musandam Governorate, the Sultan touched upon the issue of road accidents and their impact on social life. “Misuse of vehicles is an irritating habit and a cause of many deaths,” he stressed in his speech.

From January 1, 2009 until last Saturday, 788 people have died in road accidents in Oman while 7,998 were injured. The death rate if increasing almost at five per cent in country since 2007

“While we believe that life and death are destined by Allah, we know that the Almighty has ordained that people should not cast themselves on perils. While some may die in these accidents, others who survive may be disabled and a burden for themselves, their families and their society,” he said, urging his subjects to join hands and beware of this issue.

The Sultan also urged everyone to make this issue (fatal road accidents) the subject of talk with families. “Road safety should be discussed and public awareness should be stressed in order to limit the phenomenon (road accidents), which is a tax for what is called progress, growth and modernisation,” he stressed.

He assured the citizens that the authorities concerned, especially the Royal Oman Police (ROP), were carrying out their duties and raising public awareness. “They will do more as they have instructions to intensify efforts for addressing this undesired phenomenon (road accidents), which should be limited as much as possible,” he added.

He called human factor the main contributor to the ever increasing road accidents in the country. “These issues (road accidents) may be attributed to a number of reasons, but the human factor is the main contributor. It may be negligence in maintaining one’s vehicle or a desire to reach one’s destination as fast as possible.”

Accident toll

2009 (as of October 17)
Deaths: 788
Injuries: 7,998
Number of accidents: 5,895 (5.3% increase over the same period last year).

2008
Deaths: 951
Injuries: 8,120
Number of accidents: 6,103

2007
Deaths: 798
Injuries: 8,531
Number of accidents: 8,816.