MUSCAT: According to the latest Statistical Yearbook issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), road safety in Oman continues to be a pressing public concern. The report shows that although the total number of traffic accidents in 2024 fell by more than nine percent compared to 2023, fatalities remained stubbornly high. Out of 1,854 recorded accidents nationwide, 586 people tragically lost their lives and 1,936 were injured. Run-over incidents were identified as the second most common type of road accident, with 389 reported cases, while Muscat alone recorded 96 such incidents, the highest among all governorates.
The Yearbook highlights that vehicle collisions, run-over accidents, and crashes into fixed objects were the three most frequent types of incidents, totalling 806, 389 and 338 cases respectively. These figures illustrate the diversity of road safety challenges in the Sultanate and reveal that both motorists and pedestrians remain at significant risk. Despite ongoing campaigns and enhanced enforcement, pedestrian safety remains a notable concern, particularly in urban areas where traffic density and pedestrian movement are at their peak.
Demographic data from the report also underscores the broad impact of traffic accidents. Of the 586 people who died last year, 293 were Omanis and 293 were expatriates. Among them were 17 women and 276 men, with pedestrian fatalities including 28 women. These figures highlight the vulnerability of those on foot and the importance of public awareness and infrastructure improvements such as safe pedestrian crossings, better lighting, and increased surveillance at high-risk zones to protect the most exposed road users.
Authorities and road safety advocates continue to stress the importance of adhering to traffic laws, reducing speed, avoiding reckless behaviour, and practising defensive driving. They also urge pedestrians to remain vigilant, use designated crossings, and avoid distractions while on the road. As Oman’s transport network expands and modernises, these measures are seen as essential to reduce the human toll of traffic accidents and ensure safer mobility for all residents and visitors in the years ahead.
