MUSCAT – The Royal Oman Police (ROP), in collaboration with government institutions and civil society, is intensifying efforts to cultivate a culture of compliance with traffic laws and reduce the human and economic toll of road accidents.

Brigadier Eng Ali bin Sulayem al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at the Royal Oman Police, highlighted the significant progress made in recent years. Speaking to the Oman News Agency, he noted a marked decline in traffic accident rates, attributing this to the combined efforts of institutions and community engagement.

Brigadier Al Falahi emphasised the central role of traffic safety institutes located across the Sultanate’s governorates. These institutes are instrumental in promoting road safety culture among drivers and driving license applicants. They employ up-to-date technologies, including simulators, to offer a secure and effective training environment.

The institutes also provide continuous professional development for their trainers, in cooperation with specialized local and international agencies. Curricula cover a broad range of topics, including defensive driving, vehicle inspection, first aid, and traffic regulations.

One key initiative includes the training of school bus drivers under a preventive driving program developed in coordination with the Ministry of Education. Performance monitoring has shown improved driving standards and reduced traffic violations among participants.

Addressing emerging technological trends, the Director General confirmed that the ROP has already begun implementing smart traffic monitoring systems and is actively exploring the use of artificial intelligence in future traffic management projects. These efforts are designed to prepare Oman for the integration of autonomous vehicles, including the development of legal frameworks and risk assessments regarding liability in the event of accidents.

The ROP is also upgrading road infrastructure to support Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), with enhanced automated monitoring and the installation of smart surveillance cameras on major highways.

The National Road Safety Committee plays a pivotal role in shaping policy. Brigadier Al Falahi explained that the committee works closely with relevant ministries and agencies to implement national traffic safety strategies. These include awareness campaigns, media outreach, and identifying high-risk accident zones to develop targeted solutions.

Key recommendations also involve integrating traffic safety courses into school curricula and promoting the involvement of both public and private sectors in awareness efforts. The inclusion of children in early-stage traffic education is seen as essential for instilling responsible road behaviour from a young age.

One major initiative is the ‘Road Friends’ programme, launched in the 2022/2023 academic year in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Initially piloted in select schools, it has since expanded to 33 schools across various governorates, and is expected to conclude in 2024 with a generation of students equipped with vital road safety knowledge.

The ROP and Ministry of Education are now working together to create digital content on traffic safety, specifically targeting early childhood and primary education levels. These materials aim to instil core safety concepts and behaviours in young learners.

The Director General emphasised that the decreasing trend in traffic accidents can largely be attributed to improved road infrastructure, consistent public awareness efforts, and responsible driver behaviour. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain, including the increasing number of vehicles, urban sprawl and population growth, limited public transportation options, common unsafe driving behaviours such as mobile phone use, speeding, and failing to yield or signal, and neglect of regular vehicle maintenance.

Brigadier Al Falahi stressed that overcoming these challenges requires continued cooperation between individuals, government institutions, and private entities. He pointed out the importance of every citizen and resident contributing to the efforts by following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and participating in awareness programmes.