'Hidden speed check radars are important in Oman'

Muscat: Hidden speed check radars are an important factor in helping drivers stick to the speed limit and reducing the number of fatal accidents on Oman’s roads, the Director General of Traffic has said.
Eng. Brigadier Mohammed al Rawas, said, “Mobile radars are used all over the world and studies show that concealing the radar gives the driver the feeling of being constantly monitored and helps him to comply with the speed limit at all times.”
“There are signs showing the correct speed limit everywhere in Oman. Drivers must adhere to the speed limit and concentrate on what they are doing, looking out for the cars and pedestrians around him. Unfortunately, people drive while using the phone and without keeping an eye on traffic. People want to use the road in the way that suits them but if everyone did that, it would lead to traffic accidents. We always say that using the road has a language that must be applied by everyone correctly.”
He added that Oman’s traffic procedures are no different to other countries and are well researched.
“All of the ROP’s procedures in the past years based on international studies and experiences. We are constantly in contact with scientific organisations and experts, as well as studies from The Research Council, international organisations and universities in the field of traffic safety.”
According to the D.G, international practices and studies show that lowering speed is crucial in lowering the number of fatalities.
“Research shows that reducing speed is the one way to lower the number of fatalities and injuries,” he said. “For example, we all know that using the phone while driving causes accidents. An accident of this kind at low speed only causes slight damage to the vehicle but high speed accidents lead to more serious injuries and deaths. Studies show that lowering speed by 10 km/h will decrease accidents by 10% , injuries by 20% and deaths by 30%.
He also refuted the idea that speed radars are used to increase revenue.
“There is no truth to the idea that radars are put on the road to increase profits. The government and the ROP are not trying to make money through fines. Other countries, from neighbouring countries to the Western World, have fines that can reach 5 times the value of those here in Oman. If we wanted to increase our revenue, we would work to increase the cost of fines in the first place,” he added.