The Traffic Safety Expo 2012 is all set to take place from October 16-18 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre, according to Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE), in co-ordination with the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The increasing rate of accidents in the country has sparked up initiatives not just from the public sector officials and ministries but from the private sector and NGOs.

The most recognised initiatives include the setting up of two major organisations dedicated to bringing about traffic safety in the country. The Traffic Safety Institute came into being marking the 35th National Day of the country, a gift from Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO) to the Royal Oman Police. The first organisation of its kind in the Sultanate the institute focuses on changing the driving habits of current drivers rather than that of learners.

The Oman Road Safety Association came into being in 2010 and is registered under the Ministry of Social Development. With the aim of promoting public awareness for road safety among the community, the NGO is taking the promotion of road safety to an international level with the Global Road Safety campaign. "The year 2012 ushers in new initiatives from the public sector, private sector and NGOs but what is really missing is public participation. The public needs to be involved in making Oman's roads safe and accident free.

If the country moves towards road safety as a whole, by this I mean with wholesome public participation, and develops a culture of road safety then these initiatives won't be necessary in the first place. This year at the Traffic Safety Expo 2012 we invite the public to wake up to road safety and start living the dream of making Oman's roads safe" says Alawi Almurazza, a representative from Traffic Safety Expo 2012, OITE.
The expo, now in its 3rd year will feature the latest products, services and solutions catering to traffic safety and will promote awareness about the need for and importance of achieving traffic safety in Oman.