Wed, 12 September 2012
MUSCAT -- In an effort to check escalating number of road accidents, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) is seriously mulling over increasing the exiting traffic fines, shortening the period of payment from yearly to monthly and awarding black marks in one's driving record. Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of a high-level meeting to ensure the participation of public sector in the upcoming Traffic Safety Expo from October 16-18, Brigadier Mohammed bin Awadh al Rowas, Director-General of Traffic, ROP, said plans to increase fines are being worked out and a decision will be taken in less than three months. "The amount of traffic fine is a major contributor in reducing road accidents and we are working out modalities to increase fines along with shortening the period of payment from one year to one month. "Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the negligence of a driver including speeding followed by use of mobile phones while driving, wrong overtaking and tailgating," he added.
It has been observed that the Sultanate has the lowest traffic fines compared to other countries in the region where the number of accidents and casualties are much less. Just to quote, for a traffic offence where Oman imposes a fine of RO 10, other countries are slapping not less than five to six times of this amount. Till today, the traffic department has been facilitating payment of fines at the time of renewal of vehicle registration -- which is yearly. If this comes into force,the same has to be paid at the end of each month, and traffic policemen will have the right to check if fines are not paid for more than a month, failing which an additional fine is imposed on the vehicle owner. Meanwhile, according to latest statistics released by the ROP, the total number of people who lost their lives on Omani roads has risen to 813 from January 1 till September 10, 2012.
The number of people perished in accidents stood at 710 in 2011. The rate of accidents is also on the rise despite orchestrated efforts to curb the accidents. About 5,759 accidents were reported across the country this year against 5,450 last year and 8,278 people are seriously or partly injured this year in these accidents while it was 8,187 in 2011. The Third Traffic Safety Expo, to be held from October 16-18 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, will bring together people from all areas concerned with road safety, such as high-ranking government officials and representatives, police officers, project managers and highway engineers. The aim of the expo is to improve understanding among key players and stakeholders of how the latest technological advancements and best practices can assist reduction of accidents and encourage responsible attitude among road-users which can lead to a safer driving environment. The expo also aims at formulating a strategy to enhance traffic awareness among children and youth, and in developing special educational programmes on safe behaviour on roads.
Worldwide, road accidents claim the lives of around 180,000 children under 15. Children also account for nearly 20 per cent of all road-related injuries. Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) in co-operation with the Royal Oman Police, will dedicate a special corner to children at the expo. This dedicated corner will feature small cars to educate children about traffic rules. Besides, quiz events on road safety will be held in various schools. A special drawing competition will also be conducted for the children.
© Oman Daily Observer 2012
