MOU signed between omanoil and OEPPA on road safety

Muscat, May 2010

Oman Oil Marketing Company (omanoil) and the Oman Establishment for Press Publication and Advertising have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which commits both parties to the publication of a road safety magazine to be called; "BE SAFE".

The aim will be to support the community efforts under the guidance of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) to improve public awareness on road safety in Oman, which will underline the basic rules of the road, while giving guidance on what is and what is not safe practice.

Both organisations regard this as a particularly important moment in a nationwide campaign. The aim of the magazine, to be published in both the Arabic and English languages, and distributed both with the Oman Arabic language paper and the Oman Daily Observer, will be to to raise awareness of the need for safe driving.

“The alarming number of road traffic accidents has prompted us to take action for change,” emphasized Eng. Omar Ahmed Qatan, CEO of omanoil. “Through our partnership with Oman Establishment for Press Publication and Advertising, we hope to educate and raise awareness amongst the residents and citizens of our beloved nation to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing road traffic accidents and creating a safe and responsible driving environment.”

He added, “We salute His Majesty on his steadfast directives and pledge our commitment to fighting this hazardous phenomenon to reduce the social, psychological and economic burdens caused by reckless driving.”

Reports indicate that an average of three people die on a daily basis due to a road traffic accident. In 2008, 951 people died on the roads and as of December 19th 2009, 935 people were killed. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the tragic toll of deaths and injuries from road traffic crashes in countries like Oman will escalate by more than 80% rising from the 7th to the 3rd leading cause of all death and disability by 2020.

The initiative will target all members of the public, whether they are drivers or not, for those use the roads, whether they are drivers or pedestrians should be aware of potential difficulties or dangers.

The magazine will be a non-profit making venture and it will run by an editorial committee consisting of professionals in the field of traffic safety and senior executives from OEPPA and omanoil,. It will be linked to a weekly road safety column in both the Arabic and English language newspapers.

“BE SAFE” is an extension of a year-long internal awareness campaign at omanoil in which staff are introduced to safe driving tips and methods on a monthly basis, such as importance of wearing seat-belts and avoiding mobile usage, through the Company’s quarterly newsletter and plasma display panels at its Headquarters in Mina A Fahal. The sense of
responsible driving is deeply-ingrained in the Organization’s work culture where it forms a central point of discussion at Health Safety Security and Environment briefings and discussions in strive to become role models both inside and outside the workplace.