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Drifters warned as accident injures four

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By Samuel Kutty — MUSCAT: Jan 17 - In what has been termed reckless driving, four people, including three students, were injured in an accident in Musannah on Tuesday. The driver, who was allegedly pulling stunts and drifting, lost control of his vehicle near a school in Musannah and ploughed into the students, who sustained “moderate to serious injuries”. According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), a fourth person — a passenger in the car involved in the accident — was also injured. While issuing a strong warning against drifting, an ROP official said the 19-year-old driver has been arrested though he tried to run away from the accident spot.


“The accused is in police custody on charges of causing accident, reckless driving, drifting in an unspecified area and an attempt to run away,” said an ROP official. According to Omani traffic law, drivers who perform drifting stunts on roads can face jail terms of up to three months and be fined RO 500. “We cannot go soft on people performing dangerous stunts on roads and putting people’s lives in danger. Our sleuths are chasing reckless drivers round the clock,” the official added. Following reports of a large number of accidents involving drifting in 2015, dedicated areas with maximum safety standards are being developed at different locations, including Musannah, Ibri, Thamrait, Adam and Shinas.


Scores of drivers have been arrested and their vehicles seized for accidents. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, road accidents have registered a significant fall following amendments to the traffic law that stipulates stringent punishment for offenders. Despite stringent rules, hefty fines and seizure of vehicles, there is still a category of drivers who endanger people’s lives. “It is sad to see that youngsters are involved in most accidents caused by reckless driving in the country. This happens despite the awareness campaigns conducted by the police and voluntary bodies round the year,” said Salem al Balushi in Ruwi.


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