By Zainab Al Nasseri — MUSCAT: Jan 24 - Motorists venturing into flooded wadis, risking not only their own lives but that of their co-passengers are liable to a jail term of three months as well as a fine of RO 500 under the newly amended Traffic Law. The penalties underscore a renewed determination by authorities to get tough with motorists who imperil their personal safety and that of others when they attempt foolhardy crossings of swollen wadis. Particularly vexing for authorities is the disregard shown by such individuals to the safety advisories issued particularly by the Royal Oman Police and Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA), warning against such risky crossings.
“While any rainy spell in Oman generally evokes happiness and festive cheer, it can also turn into tragedy particularly when recklessness results in unfortunate drowning incidents. Drownings are also a concern when overly adventurous individuals attempt to cross a flooded wadi, imperiling the safety and lives of all those in the vehicle, be they family members or friends,” an official source lamented. The stiff penalties incorporated into the amended Traffic Law are designed to deter any such irresponsible and heedless actions, the official stated. The warning comes as the northern parts of the Sultanate are in the grip of unsettled weather conditions.
The governorates of Al Buraimi, Dhahirah, Batinah North and South, and Muscat received moderate to heavy rains over the course of Tuesday.
The wet weather is expected to continue on Wednesday as well, according to the local Met office. On Tuesday, ROP Public Relations Department said that traffic lights went offline at four key locations: Muscat Airport bridge, 18th November Street Al Athaiba, Al Khuwair near Oman Club and the Sohar bridge intersection. A number of vehicular collisions were also reported, notably at Sahwa Roundabout, Rumais, Barka, Bidbid and Saham, but none of a serious nature.
At Hassan bridge near Darsait, a truck overturned on a damp stretch of road, while a falling streetlamp caused some traffic disruption along the Qurm beach area. A vehicle was also left stranded in a waterlogged part of Al Wadi Al Kabir. The ROP has urged the general public to adhere to safety advisories and to keep away from flooded wadis. The appeal was broadcast throughout the day on various media platforms, including radio and television, as well as the social media.
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