Despite hefty punishment, daring road stunts persist
Published: 05:09 PM,Sep 30,2024 | EDITED : 09:09 PM,Sep 30,2024
Drone,Picture,Of,A,Car,After,Drifting,And,Making,Circles
Stunt driving, particularly drifting, has become a concerning trend among certain segments of the youth in Oman. This practice not only poses significant risks to the individuals involved but also endangers the lives of innocent road users.
The increase in road accidents and fatalities linked to stunt driving highlights the urgent need for awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Oman has recognised the dangers associated with stunt driving and has enacted stringent laws to combat this behaviour.
According to Articles 49/5 and 54 of the Traffic Law, individuals caught engaging in stunt driving can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to three months, fines reaching RO 500 and suspension of both their driver’s license and vehicle registration. These measures aim to deter reckless behaviour on the roads.
The societal implications of stunt driving extend beyond individual risk; they affect families and communities at large. Many young men engaging in these stunts often lack stable employment or educational opportunities, leading them to seek thrills through dangerous activities like drifting.
This behaviour not only jeopardises their own lives but also places additional stress on emergency services and healthcare systems when accidents occur.
In response to the rising incidents of stunt driving, authorities have intensified police patrols and increased public awareness campaigns about the risks associated with such activities.
Public Prosecution stated, ‘Traffic law in Oman defines a road as any path accessible for public movement whether for pedestrians, materials or livestock. It includes roads, hard shoulder, streets, yards, passages, tunnels and bridges, which people may cross.’ ‘Any vehicle stunt on roads or places not designated for such purpose is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of three months and a fine that extends to RO 500 or by either one of these two sentences.’ it added.
Community leaders and experts have called for dedicated arenas where young people can safely engage in drifting under controlled conditions.
Authorities are taking steps to establish these arenas across various provinces in Oman.
While legal frameworks are being strengthened and community initiatives are underway, continuous efforts are needed from both authorities and citizens alike to foster a culture of responsible driving. Education about the dangers of stunt driving must be prioritised alongside enforcement measures to ensure safer roads for everyone.
The increase in road accidents and fatalities linked to stunt driving highlights the urgent need for awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
Oman has recognised the dangers associated with stunt driving and has enacted stringent laws to combat this behaviour.
According to Articles 49/5 and 54 of the Traffic Law, individuals caught engaging in stunt driving can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to three months, fines reaching RO 500 and suspension of both their driver’s license and vehicle registration. These measures aim to deter reckless behaviour on the roads.
The societal implications of stunt driving extend beyond individual risk; they affect families and communities at large. Many young men engaging in these stunts often lack stable employment or educational opportunities, leading them to seek thrills through dangerous activities like drifting.
This behaviour not only jeopardises their own lives but also places additional stress on emergency services and healthcare systems when accidents occur.
In response to the rising incidents of stunt driving, authorities have intensified police patrols and increased public awareness campaigns about the risks associated with such activities.
Public Prosecution stated, ‘Traffic law in Oman defines a road as any path accessible for public movement whether for pedestrians, materials or livestock. It includes roads, hard shoulder, streets, yards, passages, tunnels and bridges, which people may cross.’ ‘Any vehicle stunt on roads or places not designated for such purpose is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of three months and a fine that extends to RO 500 or by either one of these two sentences.’ it added.
Community leaders and experts have called for dedicated arenas where young people can safely engage in drifting under controlled conditions.
Authorities are taking steps to establish these arenas across various provinces in Oman.
While legal frameworks are being strengthened and community initiatives are underway, continuous efforts are needed from both authorities and citizens alike to foster a culture of responsible driving. Education about the dangers of stunt driving must be prioritised alongside enforcement measures to ensure safer roads for everyone.