SALALAH: As the Dhofar khareef season brings increased road traffic, the Royal Oman Police have issued a stark warning about a dangerous behavior that puts children’s lives at risk. This behavior—allowing children to hang parts of their bodies out of car windows while the vehicle is in motion—might seem harmless, but it carries potentially catastrophic consequences.
The seemingly innocent act of letting children lean out of car windows can quickly turn tragic. In an instant, an unexpected accident or even a slight turn can hurl a child out of the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries or even death.
The Royal Oman Police emphasize that this behavior exposes children to significant and often underestimated dangers. A sudden stop or sharp turn can drastically alter the car's path, posing an immediate threat to a child who is not properly restrained. Likewise, a child’s head or other body parts can collide with external objects like tree branches, traffic signs, or even passing vehicles, leading to serious injuries. Even without a collision, the force of the air and contact with hard surfaces can cause severe injuries, including lacerations and bruises, the ROP has warned.
In its advisory to motorists visiting khareef-bound Dhofar, the ROP stressed the need for all passengers, especially children, to be securely fastened with seat belts for the entire journey. Furthermore, windows and the sunroof should be fully closed while driving to prevent any risk of a child leaning out.
“Never leave children unattended in a vehicle, even if it is stationary. Always maintain vigilance to prevent any risky behavior,” the ROP cautioned, adding: “Avoid excessive speeding and strictly follow traffic signals to minimize the risk of accidents.”
Underscoring the importance of public awareness, a traffic safety expert noted: "Educating parents about the dangers of allowing children to hang out of car windows should be a key component of national traffic safety campaigns. This behavior poses a significant threat to children’s safety."
“Ensuring the safety of our children is a collective responsibility. We urge all parents to heed these warnings and educate their children about the serious risks involved. Let us work together to make our family trips not only memorable but also safe, free from preventable hazards,” the expert added.
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