Counterfeit auto parts one of the reasons for accidents, casualties
Published: 04:08 PM,Aug 16,2023 | EDITED : 08:08 PM,Aug 16,2023
Counterfeit spare parts and substandard accessories are one of the major reasons for road accidents and casualties. Keeping this in mind, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) have urged everyone to avoid using such products.
Such parts are available mostly in shops near the motor garages. They are sold as original, and rates are also at par with the original; still, customers, in most cases, are duped into buying the same.
'Counterfeit spare parts in vehicles are one of the main reasons for accidents, and in most cases, casualties as counterfeit spare parts are not as durable as original ones. They cause accidents and fire that erupts after a crash,' a senior police official from the Traffic Department said, adding, 'Saving a few rials by buying counterfeit products is not worth it because it puts the buyer's life in danger.' Oman's traffic accidents went up 15.5 per cent in 2022 while insurance companies reported claims down to RO 25m, against 2021 figures when insurers paid RO 28.6m, according to the Capital Market Authority (CMA) report.
Speed is the main cause of most of the accident-related deaths in Oman, followed by mobile phone usage while driving, negligence, overtaking, tailgating, ruthless driving, vehicle defects and improper roads.
In 2022, the total number of traffic accidents was 76,200 compared to the previous year. These include 60,900 minor accidents and 15,300 major accidents during the year.
In light of this, the Consumer Protection Department (CPA) has embarked upon a random search and seized two commercial establishments that sold filters for engines of counterfeit vehicles as original, violating the Consumer Protection Law and it's implementing regulations in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
CPA acted upon a tip-off that some commercial establishments sold counterfeit spare parts and engine filters wrapped in a cover bearing one of the well-known trademarks as original filters.
'We spare no effort to intensify monitoring the markets and control everything that may harm public health and pose dangers to the consumers. Legal measures are initiated against violators. Consumers are requested to report any violations that they may notice in the markets through the various communication channels of the authorities,' he further said.
Such parts are available mostly in shops near the motor garages. They are sold as original, and rates are also at par with the original; still, customers, in most cases, are duped into buying the same.
'Counterfeit spare parts in vehicles are one of the main reasons for accidents, and in most cases, casualties as counterfeit spare parts are not as durable as original ones. They cause accidents and fire that erupts after a crash,' a senior police official from the Traffic Department said, adding, 'Saving a few rials by buying counterfeit products is not worth it because it puts the buyer's life in danger.' Oman's traffic accidents went up 15.5 per cent in 2022 while insurance companies reported claims down to RO 25m, against 2021 figures when insurers paid RO 28.6m, according to the Capital Market Authority (CMA) report.
Speed is the main cause of most of the accident-related deaths in Oman, followed by mobile phone usage while driving, negligence, overtaking, tailgating, ruthless driving, vehicle defects and improper roads.
In 2022, the total number of traffic accidents was 76,200 compared to the previous year. These include 60,900 minor accidents and 15,300 major accidents during the year.
In light of this, the Consumer Protection Department (CPA) has embarked upon a random search and seized two commercial establishments that sold filters for engines of counterfeit vehicles as original, violating the Consumer Protection Law and it's implementing regulations in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
CPA acted upon a tip-off that some commercial establishments sold counterfeit spare parts and engine filters wrapped in a cover bearing one of the well-known trademarks as original filters.
'We spare no effort to intensify monitoring the markets and control everything that may harm public health and pose dangers to the consumers. Legal measures are initiated against violators. Consumers are requested to report any violations that they may notice in the markets through the various communication channels of the authorities,' he further said.