As much as I love living in Oman, driving here is by far the biggest downfall. Every time I get behind the wheel, I feel like I’m “gambling with my life”. There seem to be an endless supply of “road safety campaigns and exhibitions” with the intention of lowering the deathtoll, but nothing seems to be done by the police here on a daily basis about the following unthinkable, selfish driving habits:
- Parents who drive with unbuckled kids and parents often holding infants in their arms in the front seat!
- Cellphone use while driving-seems to be about every 2nd car I pass!
- Reckless tailgating and agressively flashing lights on your car as if to say, “Move it, buster!”
- Not only using a cellphone, but eyes down with TEXTING, if you can believe it!
Something really needs to be done but I won’t be holding my breath. I will simply continue practising defensive driving and trusting God to protect me and my family on some of the most dangerous roads I’ve ever experienced. (In fact, it’s not “the roads” that are dangerous but the people that are driving them!)Omanis, don’t your children deserve a safe ride?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
“Road accidents should not be termed as God’s will. God is not responsible for accidents but careless human beings are. Awareness and stricter laws are the only way out. Be aware of the dangers on the road and don’t leave it to fate and God.” (Sheikh Khalfan bin Mohammed Al Esry, Omani scholar and member of Majlis Addawala)
Andy in Oman 
So true in US you leave hospital with new born in seat strapped in law! I am stunned that people do not strap children in seat belts! No standing ,lap sitting! Love your child use seatbelts please! Concerned Expat
Gigi,
Good point about the laws regarding transporting newborns straight from the hospital – no excuses! I remain stunned as well! Thanks for commenting.
You are so right on all counts Andy!! I can’t believe it when I see whole carloads of Omani families with their children bouncing around inside their cars. And the cell phone use and TEXTING while driving is beyond belief. Come on! You can’t have that much of importance to say that you have to be on your cell phone every minute of every day, especially jeopardizing people’s lives! And about those who come up behind you flashing their lights. It’s so OBNOXIOUS! Not to mention dangerous. Why in such a hurry?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Cathy. I really hope things change on Oman’s roads, but I’m not about to hold my breath waiting!
Me neither, Andy!
very interesting!
Yes, Cedric. Interesting and sad at the same time!
All true. 😦
Yes, unfortunately.