Muscat
While encountering human-induced traffic accidents or unexpected obstacles like a wandering pedestrian on a highway might be commonplace, the unsettling norm has shifted to encounters with camels. Whether these encounters transpire under cover of night or in broad daylight, they invariably result in collisions, leaving behind scenes of tragedy.
The Batinah Expressway has become a grim setting for repeated fatal accidents, with scarcely a month passing without reports of collisions involving camels and other similar animals. The pressing reality emphasises the critical necessity of swift measures to avert the recurrence of these tragic "camel accidents." Those responsible for the unfettered presence of these animals on the road must be held accountable without leniency, given the potential hazards they pose to the safety of commuters. These incidents should serve as a stern example to others.
The plight of loose camels roaming along the Al Batinah Expressway is distressingly grim, often culminating in fatalities. Just last Saturday, a young man from Shinas lost his life instantly when his vehicle collided with a stray camel on the expressway.
The Al Batinah Expressway now exhibits a recurring spectacle where owners allow their “loose camels" to graze and roam unattended. This scene has transformed into an unsettling fixation that troubles citizens and expatriates. These unexpected apparitions darting across the road bring death in their wake for unsuspecting motorists.
Abdullah al Yahyai has aptly noted the deep distress experienced by drivers on this pivotal road due to the menace of loose camels. A chorus of concerned citizens consistently calls for effective solutions to curb the prevalence of these wandering camels that pose significant peril along the Al Batinah Expressway. The resulting catastrophic accidents, which claim innocent lives, unfold without adequate regulation or control over the road.
Al Yahyai underscores that the core issue lies with the camel owners who fail to observe right-of-way rules, leaving their animals free to frolic on the road, disregarding the ensuing danger and heightened accident rates. He firmly advocates for resolute legal measures against these owners to curb the spread of this profoundly hazardous phenomenon. In parallel, road users also bear a responsibility to exercise caution, adhere to traffic instructions, and refrain from excessive speeding.
Hamad al Zaabi, a dedicated observer of public affairs, cites Article (294/d) of the Omani Penal Code as a legal provision holding those accountable who negligently release animals into the public domain, leading to harm or endangerment. Despite this legal framework, some stray animal owners persistently flout the law, exhibiting scant regard for human life. Al Zaabi stresses that camel owners must be compelled to bear the consequences of their actions or be engaged in education and awareness campaigns.
The threats looming on the road are multifaceted, ranging from the peril posed by animals, particularly camels, to the absence of effective deterrence mechanisms. Despite the conscientiousness of road users and vehicle owners in adhering to traffic regulations and speed limits, the risks remain.
Al Zaabi notes that while the expressway holds transformative potential for Oman's road network, its utility is overshadowed by the imminent danger posed by wandering camels, especially during low-light hours. Urgent intervention is called for, as these stray camels on the Batinah Expressway represent a constant menace and immediate peril. They continue to trespass onto high-speed lanes, exposing road users to the possibility of collisions and consequential damages.
In light of these circumstances, Al Zaabi earnestly appeals to relevant authorities to expedite effective solutions to mitigate the threat of stray animals on the Al Batinah Expressway. The unchecked presence of wandering camels remains an unsettling fixation, representing an imminent danger to all road users. Immediate action is imperative to safeguard lives, prevent accidents, and secure the integrity of this vital thoroughfare.
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