Safe crossing zones a must to cut jaywalking in Oman

 Traffic safety campaigners have called for more pedestrian crossings as police say they are cracking down on ‘jaywalkers’. The ROP has confirmed that they are actively targeting jaywalkers and warn that the legal fine of OMR10 will be enforced, rising to three months in jail for repeat offenders.

But many road safety campaigners say that pedestrian access to safe crossings is limited and that sometimes people are left with little choice but to cross busy roads. 

One campaigner has also said that the problem of jaywalking could be designed out by erecting barriers in the central reservation of roads in the Sultanate.

A Muscat Municipality spokeswoman, speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, has revealed that six pedestrian bridge projects are on the table – three of them already completed.

Ali Al Barwani, Head of the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), said there needs to be an increase in infrastructure to support pedestrians.

“Muscat especially needs more resources like bridges and tunnels, especially where we see many areas where people crowd around and attempt to cross roads illegally.

“It’s also that most pedestrians are not aware of the legal consequences regarding jaywalking, but there are definitely areas that need better resources for pedestrians to walk comfortably,” Al Barwani explained.

Neelesh Sogani, a road safety expert, said sometimes people have little choice but to jaywalk.

“People jaywalk for various reasons, including convenience, impracticality of following the law, and sometimes even personal safety, generally to cross the street. Going to a crosswalk can require a long detour.

“Pedestrians are often forced to walk outside crosswalks, when they are blocked by cars due to traffic congestion, or drivers stopping too far forward.”

A Muscat Municipality spokeswoman revealed the local authority’s most recent plans to add infrastructure for Oman’s pedestrians.

“As part of the plan, areas of concentrated pedestrian activity were identified for six bridges to be built, in order to ease pressure on pedestrians attempting to cross. Three of those bridges have already been completed and are being used today.

“The first to be completed is in Al Amerat, and its opening coincided with the Muscat Festival launch earlier in the year, as the bridge was near Al Amerat Park.

“The second to be completed is in Al Mabeela on the Sultan Qaboos Street, and the latest bridge to open is in Al Wattaya. Three other bridges are in the process of being completed, and will open soon for pedestrians,” the spokeswoman explained.

However, Al Barwani added that even if resources are increased, jaywalking may remain a problem on major roads, and proposed an alternative solution.

“A definite way to prevent pedestrians from jaywalking is to put up barriers in the space between the two driving directions or lanes. I’ve seen this measure in Dubai, and it would stop jaywalkers from crossing the road, simply because halfway across they would encounter a barrier that they would have to somehow climb to get to the other side,” he said.

Al Barwani added that awareness of the dangers of jaywalking are important, as well as awareness of the resources pedestrians can use.

“Either way, signage directing pedestrians towards bridges and tunnels are just as important. Both the barriers and signage should be implemented so that awareness of resources and preventative measures could work together as a means to combat jaywalking.”

Neelesh Sogani offered advice for pedestrians, including walking only within marked crosswalks.

“Look left, right, and then left again for vehicular traffic before stepping onto the roadway. Yield to any approaching vehicles while crossing even if you have the right of way. Oncoming vehicles may reach you faster than you anticipate.

“Make an eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Keep to the right of the crosswalk, and be patient and alert when crossing the street. Walk across the street, never run. Obey all traffic signals and use the pedestrian signal button at intersections.

“Cross the street only when the green “Walk” light is on. Do not begin crossing if the red “Don’t Walk” or upraised hand is flashing or steady. Be especially careful of vehicles that may turn right on red or turn left at an intersection. Drivers may be busy looking out for other vehicles instead of pedestrians.”

“If buses or other large vehicles are blocking your view, wait for them to pass before crossing. These vehicles may be blocking the view of drivers in other lanes. Watch for vehicles turning into or backing out of parking spaces or driveways. Do not walk behind a vehicle that has its reverse lights on.”

“Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic so you can see oncoming traffic.”

An ROP source said: “It’s not about the fine, it’s about creating unnecessary harm and risk for everyone around. That should be the reason why pedestrians should not jaywalk.”

The source also told the Times of Oman that although drivers can report other cars by their plate numbers, it may be difficult to report a jaywalker.

“If you can safely have a passenger of the car take a picture, that would be the best way to contact the authorities about this issue,” the source explained.

Source: Timesofoman