Two fatal road accidents on routes connecting Dhofar with other regions of Oman have prompted the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to call for increased caution among motorists, particularly during extended journeys and the busy Khareef season.
The first incident involved a teacher and her three children, who died when their vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer and overturned in the Nimr area as they were returning from Dhofar. The teacher, employed at Douhat Al Ilm School, was a resident of the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands. A fifth occupant in the vehicle sustained injuries and was airlifted to Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah for medical treatment. The crash has elicited grief among the teacher’s students, colleagues, and the wider community in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali.
Later on the same day, another accident on the same route resulted in the death of a woman. Her husband and a friend were seriously injured and admitted to Sultan Qaboos Hospital. This collision occurred during their return from Haima.
These incidents have raised concerns over road safety, especially as thousands of visitors travel to Dhofar during the Khareef season. The ROP is currently investigating the causes of the accidents while emphasizing the importance of responsible driving practices.
Authorities have urged drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, avoid mobile phone use while driving, and ensure they are well-rested before embarking on long trips. Preparations such as checking vehicle tires, brakes, oil levels, and windshield wipers, as well as carrying sufficient washer fluid and emergency supplies like water and warm clothing, are highly recommended.
Motorists traveling to remote areas are advised to refuel before leaving urban centers due to limited service stations along some routes. Special caution is advised on Dhofar’s mountainous roads, particularly during adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, and low visibility. Drivers should maintain safe distances, avoid sudden lane changes, unnecessary overtaking, and stay in appropriate lanes to facilitate the smooth passage of heavy vehicles.
The ROP also highlighted that speed should be reduced on wet roads because of decreased tire grip. In cases of extremely poor visibility, drivers are encouraged to pull over safely, activate hazard lights, and wait for conditions to improve. Using dipped headlights during fog and rainfall is advised, while use of fog lights during rain should be avoided because of glare. Additionally, keeping air conditioning on can help prevent window fogging.
Hazard lights should be reserved for stationary vehicles or emergencies, as their use while moving can confuse other motorists. Visitors who stop to photograph Dhofar’s scenic attractions are reminded to park safely away from traffic and not obstruct roads or heavy vehicle routes. Parking on green pastures is discouraged.
Families traveling with children are urged to ensure that young passengers remain safely inside the vehicle and avoid extending hands outside moving cars. For public and environmental safety, visitors are discouraged from using fire or charcoal for cooking at tourist sites.
As Dhofar continues to welcome large numbers of travelers during the Khareef period, the ROP and other authorities reaffirm that careful driving, patience, and heightened awareness are essential for ensuring the safety of all road users.