Saturday 12 / April / 2025
Muscat: Mobile phone usage during driving is one of the top challenges threatening road safety and poses significant risks to lives and property of motorists.
On the technical front, the Royal Oman Police has begun deploying advanced smart systems to detect violations like mobile phone use while driving, said Brigadier Engineer Ali bin Hamoud Al-Falahi, Director-General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police.
AI-powered cameras are now operational, capable of analysing images and identifying violations with high accuracy, said Brigadier Al-Falahi, adding these systems also help monitor traffic flow and identify congestion points and wanted vehicles, having already been tested extensively on Oman's roads.
Brigadier Al-Falahi expressed hope that such technologies would effectively reduce violations and accidents.
Brigadier Al-Falahi underscored that road safety is a societal responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all institutions.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) will launch Gulf Traffic Week on Monday under the theme "Driving Without Phones" to raise awareness about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving.
The Director-General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, highlighted that this year's theme reflects the commitment of traffic departments across the GCC to tackle one of the most dangerous behaviours endangering road users.
Statistics show that mobile phone use is one of the main causes of traffic accidents, making this initiative a necessary step towards safer roads.
Brigadier Al-Falahi added that using mobile phones while driving is a significant negative behaviour that affects road safety, often leading to distractions and reduced concentration, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Such behaviour can result in severe human losses and social repercussions, with international statistics revealing that at least 25% of annually recorded accidents are directly linked to phone use while driving, whether for calls, texting, or browsing.
Despite the inherent dangers, some drivers continue this practice due to overconfidence in their ability to control the vehicle or to save time.
The slogan emphasises the risks of using mobile phones while driving, which leads to distraction and reduced focus, causing serious accidents that are entirely preventable, he said.
The message is clear and direct: safety begins with a decision, and driving requires complete attention, he added.
This behaviour often stems from weak traffic awareness and a lack of responsibility among certain drivers.
To address this, the Directorate-General of Traffic implements various comprehensive strategies to minimise accidents, focusing on reducing mobile phone use while driving.
These include intensive awareness programmes, delivered through lectures and publications at schools and universities, as well as collaboration with road safety institutes to foster responsible driving culture.
He noted positive responses from the public regarding traffic initiatives and services and urged drivers, especially youth, to adhere to traffic rules and avoid using phones while driving, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
As part of the weeklong initiative, the Directorate-General of Traffic will organise an awareness exhibition tomorrow at Oman Mall in Muscat, focusing on various aspects of road safety.
