Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MUSCAT147
2007-02-14 12:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

OMAN FOCUSED ON REDUCING TRAFFIC FATALITIES

Tags:  PAHO SOCI UNDP UNGA MU 
pdf how-to read a cable
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RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHMS #0147 0451206
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141206Z FEB 07
FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7807
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000147 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, OES/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PAHO SOCI UNDP UNGA MU
SUBJECT: OMAN FOCUSED ON REDUCING TRAFFIC FATALITIES

REF: STATE 15184

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Summary
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UNCLAS MUSCAT 000147

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, OES/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PAHO SOCI UNDP UNGA MU
SUBJECT: OMAN FOCUSED ON REDUCING TRAFFIC FATALITIES

REF: STATE 15184

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Summary
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1. Traffic accidents are a serious concern in Oman, as the
per capita mortality rate is significantly higher than the
global average. Al Mustadaama, a non-profit organization
initially funded by the MEPI program, actively promotes
awareness through a child safety restraint program. End
Summary.

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Dangerous Roads
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2. Traffic fatalities on Omani roads are well-documented and
well-publicized. In 2005, the Royal Oman Police (ROP)
reported that 689 people died in auto accidents over the
course of the year; 122 of the victims were younger than 15
years of age. The Ministry of Health reported that 20% of
child deaths in Oman resulted from auto accidents.
Approximately 6,500 people were injured in auto mishaps,
including 968 children. Oman's automobile mortality rate per
100,000 people was 28, far above the global mortality rate of

19. From 2000-2005, Oman registered approximately 3,500 auto
fatalities, with roughly 50,000 injuries.

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Creating Awareness
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3. Responding to these alarming statistics, "Al Mustadaama"
(Sustainability) was formed - with the assistance of a MEPI
small grant - as a non-profit company to promote child safety
in vehicles. The goals of al Mustadaama are to create
awareness among Omanis of the dangers driving poses to
unrestrained children and to encourage drivers to buckle-up
their children. The organization manages a multimedia
website to promote awareness of the dangers of road transport
in Oman. Al Mustadaama also sponsors an advocacy campaign
under the banner of "Salim wa Salimah" (Safe and Sound),
which provides information to drivers on the benefits of
securing their children in appropriate child seats. In
addition to furnishing statistics and information, the
website offers films such as "Doesn't Your Child Deserve a
Safe Ride," which is loaned out to schools, colleges,
mosques, and clubs.
GRAPPO