American Embassy warns ROP getting tough (again)

The American Embassy have issued a reminder (below) that the ROP are (apparently) getting tough again. I wish. I saw at least 3 red light violations just on my way to work this morning.

(Thanks to one of my American sources for the feed, BTW. You know who you are.)

Warden Message - Traffic Violations
The U.S. Embassy in Muscat wishes to inform the American community in Oman that the Royal Oman Police is now working to more strictly enforce regulations with regards to traffic violations, including red-light violations. The consequences for being stopped for such a violation are, by U.S. standards, severe.

For example, red-light violations carry a mandatory and non-bailable detention period of 48 hours, followed by confiscation of driver's license, vehicle registration, and car registration plate until the Omani judicial process is concluded, a period that might be as long as several months.

Other common traffic violations that carry strict penalties, up to and including jail sentences, fines, and/or deportation include:
* Driving without a valid license;
* Driving under the influence of alcohol;
* Non-use of seat belt;
* Talking on cellular telephones (other than hands-free) while
driving; and
* Violating traffic laws in a reckless manner, such as excessive
speeding, overtaking, and screeching of car tires.

In the event of a traffic violation and fine, American citizens are strongly encouraged to cooperate with police officers and not attempt to negotiate payment at the traffic stop. Effective June 1, 2007, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) introduced new procedures for minor Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) to reduce traffic jams. According to the ROP, the new procedure is currently in force in the Governorate of Muscat area and will eventually be implemented in the other governorates and regions of the Sultanate. American citizens considering driving in Oman are advised to familiarize themselves with the new procedures available on the ROP website at
http://www.rop.gov.om/english/index.asp
under "Minor Road Traffic Accidents."

Note: Minor Road Traffic Accidents are defined as those causing minor damage to one or more vehicles, but with no in injuries, deaths, or material damage to public/private properties. Parties involved in minor RTAs should immediately move their vehicles to the side of the road. American citizens involved in accidents outside of the Muscat area are advised not to move their vehicles from the accident location until the ROP gives them the permission; moving a vehicle may be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

2 Omani youths jailed for dangerous driving

The national disgrace that is Oman's driving and resulting death toll needs more reporting of drivers receiving penalties. But why is this story only reported in the Gulf News today? As per usual, nothing in the Omani English papers.
Gulf News

Two Omani youths jailed for rash driving
Published: October 19, 2008, 00:03

Muscat: Two young Omani nationals have each been sentenced to two months in jail and asked to pay a fine of 600 Omani riyals for "dangerous driving".

According to a report in government-run Arabic daily Oman, the primary court in Shinas, 250km north of Muscat, found the two youngsters guilty of rash driving that put lives of others at risk.

The paper quoted the public prosecution as saying the car had no insurance cover or even proper brakes.

The licence of one of the youngsters, who was showing off a trick when the vehicle skidded off the road, has been cancelled.

Oman keeps killing people on the road

The Oman Community Blog noted the recent article on Road Deaths in Oman.

In the 10 months to October 2007, injuries were 6742 and fatalities 635, around 15% up on last year. I'm also curious what the number of children injured or killed was given the almost total lack of child seats or seat belts being used, and considering the number of children I see loose in the car ready to be flung through the windscreen if there is an accident. But these stats aren't released.

While numbers of deaths and injuries continue to rise, the Times of Oman article had this classic Omani spin statement:

Statistics, however, show a 7.5 per cent fall in road accidents at 7,124 compared to 7,705 in October last year, thanks to the stringent government measures.

Yes, it's a minor improvement, and as the number of cars has risen, would look even better as a % of traffic I'm sure. But the fatality rate is shockingly high. In fact, the rate of fatalities to injuries (at around 10%) is 3 times more than in developed countries (around 3%). The Government's measures are far from stringent.

It is not about raising 'Public Awareness', the usual Omani answer to real problems – these drivers are totally aware of what they are doing. The answer in my opinion is more – a lot more – undercover traffic police, and better training for all the traffic police too. Dangerous drivers need to be stopped and fined. Really dangerous drivers should be stopped and arrested. We all see so many acts of dangerous driving every day that it would be easy for the police to stop them. Unfortunately the police themselves don't always drive safely either. Cameras on the highway may be a cheap option, but technology can't replace trained cops.

Oh, and Happy Holidays everyone.

Aside: Any Tourists coming to Oman should try to hire a 'PDO Specification' Toyota Landcruiser car rental. I know it costs more than getting a crappy little Toyota Echo, but it really is an insurance premium worth paying. Plus it means you can go offroad safely. A good place to rent high spec 4x4 from is a company called Shuram LLC (Rent A Car Division) PO Box 194, PC 134 Tel: (968) 24696299