Sunday 24 / November / 2024
MUSCAT: Drivers caught using their phones could be jailed for up to two years as well as end up paying a fine of OMR300 under tough new rules under discussion by the officials in Oman.
A jail sentence from one month to a maximum of 24 months, plus the tougher fine, are among the main amendments approved by the Majlis Al Shura in the draft Traffic Law on Monday.
“The use of cell phones while driving is a punishable crime. The violator will have to pay OMR300 fine and has to serve a jail term for a period ranging between one month and two years,” Dr Mohammed Al Zedjali, the head of legal committee in Majlis Al Shura, who led the discussion of the amendment told Times of Oman.
The draft was approved during the last term of Shura and was forwarded to the State Council. From there it was sent to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It was sent back to Shura for revision by His Majesty the Sultan.
“We are still reviewing it,” the head of the legal committee said.
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According to Article (58) (bis 35), draft laws prepared by the government shall be referred to Majlis Oman for approval or amendment, and then they shall be directly submitted to His Majesty the Sultan for promulgation.
In case of any amendment by Majlis Oman on the draft law, His Majesty may refer it back to the Majlis for reconsideration of the amendments and then for re-submission to His Majesty the Sultan.
Different punishments
In addition to proposing stricter punishment for using cell phone while driving, the Shura has proposed different punishments for damages caused due to carelessness and intentionally on roads.
“An accident, which causes injury to the second party due to negligence, is also punishable. For such accidents, the violator should pay OMR2,000 fine and jail terms for periods ranging from three months to one year. The fine and jail term depend on the seriousness of the injury. “There is a difference between injuries caused by negligence and intentionally, so we can’t have one law for both. This has led for amendment,” the Shura member added.
Mark Pudwell, Business Development and Training Manager of Competence HR, said that he welcomed the new laws which clearly demonstrates the determination of His Majesty and his government to eradicate this wholly unacceptable behaviour.
“The introduction of any new law of this nature also requires a review of the policies and procedures for its enforcement. The law does not discriminate against or offer advantage due to nationality or status and once this has been seen to be the case, everyone will understand its intentions and the outcomes of not adhering to it,” Mark said.
According to Mark, much has been achieved in reducing the numbers of fatalities on Oman roads but we should not forget those many thousands who have been injured or have suffered as an indirect consequence of careless driving.
"All modern cars are equipped with technology that allows hands free use of cell phones but everyday we see people ignoring those facilities in favour of holding the phone. The law says it's illegal punishable with jail and or a fine. Now it has to be enforced
There were still 618 deaths too many last year," Mark added.
Oman has registered a 14.9 per cent dip in road accidents in 2015, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
There were 5,254 accidents recorded in 2015, down from 6,171 road accidents in 2014.
618 people died in car accidents in 2015, down from 760 fatalities in 2014.
Traffic awareness campaigns and more speed radars have contributed to the drop in the number of road accidents.
