Bank Sohar participates in Nizwa Traffic Safety Roadshow

The two day event started on Mar 10, 2013, under the patronage of Dr. Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Saadi, Governor of Dakhiliyah Governorate. The road show was organised by the Royal Oman police of the Al Dakhliya Governorate as part of the 29th Gulf Traffic Week, alongside an exhibition on road safety that was held over the same duration at the Manah Exhibition Center.

Commenting on the event and the importance of improving road safety awareness in the Sultanate, Mazin Mahmood Al Raisi, the AGM Marketing and Communication at Bank Sohar, said: "Bank Sohar is a steadfast supporter of Road Safety, both internally and externally. As part of our commitment to the safety of our community we will always do our best to increase the awareness of safe driving habits and assist local authorities in raising general awareness of road safety. Events such as this play a key role in spreading such messages and we are glad to be a part of it."

Bank Sohar launched its year-long road safety campaign, titled "Be Safe...Be Responsible" in February in partnership with the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA). The aim of the campaign is to build on the existing awareness activities conducted by the local authorities to educate the drivers of Oman, focusing on the importance of driving safely and how crucial it is to adhere to the rules of the road set by the ROP.

Latest statistics from General Directorate of ROP recorded 95,430 accidents over the last 10 years (2002-2012), which resulted in 8,882 fatalities and 127,477 injuries. 2012 witnessed the highest rate of fatalities, standing at 1,139, and 11,618 injuries in 8,209 road accidents. The two primary reasons that have contributed to this increasing number of accidents are wrong overtaking and reckless driving.

"Even one death on our roads is unacceptable. Each year the Sultanate records hundreds of road accidents. Last year we recorded 1,139 deaths, which equated to three lives lost every single day of the year. This shows that something is terribly amiss in our traffic safety culture." says Mazin. "Each driver must take a moment to assess his driving habits and ask, when it comes to safe driving, am I part of the problem or part of the solution?"

He further added, "Through our own safety campaign and our participation and support of various other safety initiatives, we hope to have a positive impact on our society by complimenting His Majesty's directives and the outstanding efforts of the men and women of the Royal Oman Police."

Through its safety campaign, Bank Sohar will increase its commitment towards CSR initiatives and use its influence in the community to positively address the safety of roads in Oman and to reach the hearts and minds of the people throughout every region of Oman and make a difference.