There are plenty of violations and offenders when it comes to road safety. To be bold, increased surveillance, penalties, and regulations will have little impact because the underlying problem is social attitudes behind the wheel.
According to road safety experts, deterrence is likely minimal if drivers believe they can get away with a simple slap on the wrist. Scholars also suggest that when users notice road policing, drivers adjust their behaviour for a while. Essentially, it is a risk-taking mindset.
Just the other day, I was shocked when I saw a taxi driver make a U-turn at a roundabout, crossing over a normal route to take the opposite street. I flashed the headlights and beeped to draw his attention, which he ignored. His offence was far worse than mine: flashing the lights and beeping.
To put it mildly, it was outrageous. Overconfidence? Perhaps. The worst is underestimating the consequences of his actions and being likely to believe nothing bad would happen.
This experience of seeing a taxi driver making a wrong-way U-turn at a roundabout, combined with recent articles regarding traffic accident statistics in Oman, prompted me to consider the issue.
The numbers released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) are alarming. In 2023, traffic accidents killed 595 people, a higher number than in 2022. Traffic incidents caused 2,129 injuries while the number of road accidents in 2023 exceeded 2,000.
Speeding was the leading cause of 304 deaths. This is a significant figure given the country’s modest population. According to the statistics, 103 of the 595 deaths were caused by negligence, 80 by bad behaviour, 35 by failing to leave a safe distance, and 48 by overtaking. The data sheds light on risky driving confidence. Statistics on age and gender could help better understand the problem.
These numbers tell us a more sinister story in which the contempt for one’s life and others is a major concern. According to road safety studies, societal norms surrounding driving attitudes may be one of the reasons contributing to disrespect for traffic laws and regulations.
The same can be said about 2023 traffic accident injuries. Around 245 people suffered injuries due to speeding; 98 due to overtaking; 160 for not leaving a safe distance; and 80 injuries due to bad behaviour.
We barely hear that a lack of pedestrian cross-painting has caused accidents, or inadequate lighting on secondary streets, confusing signs, or the structure and design of the roads are the leading causes of traffic accidents. On the contrary, poor road conditions caused two deaths and 21 injuries last year, compared to five deaths and 20 injuries in 2022. The figures indicate that it is a human problem rather than a structural or engineering issue.
Yes, some matters are overlooked, such as speed bumps with worn-out paint, fading road paint, pedestrian crosswalks with virtually invisible stripes, pedestrians, scooters, bicycle riders crossing roads in dangerous places, and animals on the roads.
Victim driving style, such as when the car appeared out of nowhere and there was nothing I could do, is simply a rationale for transferring responsibility and saving face. The problem is that people may not consider the consequences; though, there is always the possibility of an accident where vehicles are moving.
Traffic rules merely require adherence to the regulations set by the authorities. This includes respecting speed limits, stopping at stop signs, using turn signals to indicate your intentions, and yielding to other vehicles as needed. Is that asking too much?
There could always be justification that the driver has a problem at home or work, is under pressure, tired, or even sick. Stress and road safety can be complex but don’t justify a lack of a responsible attitude towards people’s lives.
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