6 days ago
Royal Oman Police develops AI-driven traffic safety strategy
Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) is introducing new technology, including artificial intelligence- based monitoring, to improve road safety as the number of vehicles and urban expansion place growing pressure on the country's road network.
Brig Ali bin Salim al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at ROP, said smart traffic monitoring systems were launched recently and a study is underway of the experiences of other countries in the field of autonomous vehicles to develop a future regulatory framework that suits the Omani environment. 'We are analysing the risks associated with new technologies, such as the safety of autonomous vehicles and legal responsibilities in case of accidents,' he said.
Traffic signals are being upgraded to work with Intelligent Transport Systems, while automated monitoring is being enhanced with advanced cameras installed on main roads.
ROP works closely with the National Road Safety Committee to develop strategies and guidelines aimed at reducing traffic accidents. Recommendations include development of a national strategy to reduce traffic accidents, nationwide awareness campaigns, school traffic safety courses, and greater involvement of civil society and the private sector. 'Our aim is to enhance traffic culture across all segments of society,' Brig Falahi said.
Despite a decline in accidents in recent years, challenges remain. Population growth, the rising number of vehicles and a lack of public transport continue to strain the road network, he added. 'Poor driving habits such as speeding, mobile phone use, unsafe lane change and failure to keep safe distance are key contributors to accidents.' Inadequate vehicle maintenance, he said, also causes breakdowns that can lead to collisions.
Brig Falahi informed that traffic safety institutes in governorates provide specialised training for different categories of drivers, including taxi drivers and heavy vehicle operators, besides rehabilitation programmes for traffic offenders. Trainers receive updates in cooperation with specialised agencies. Brig Ali bin Salim al Falahi, Director General of Traffic at ROP
School bus drivers are trained under a preventive driving programme run jointly with Ministry of Education, with performance monitored to ensure compliance. 'This has led to improved driver performance and fewer violations,' Brig Falahi informed.
ROP has also introduced school-based initiatives such as the 'Road Friends' programme, launched in the 2022/2023 academic year and now expanded to 33 schools. The programme aims to produce a generation aware of road safety rules, with students passing knowledge to peers and families.
Digital educational content on traffic safety is being designed for early childhood and primary school students. Awareness campaigns run throughout the year, including khareef in Dhofar, targeting both residents and visitors.
Brig Falahi said the decrease in accidents in recent years is due to better driver awareness, improved infrastructure and continuous public education. 'Traffic safety is a shared responsibility that requires the commitment of individuals, society, and institutions to reduce accidents and protect lives and property.'
