OQ unveils comprehensive Road Safety Strategy
OQ, the global integrated energy group, showcased its strategy, plans, and systems for road safety across its companies, sectors, and facilities, including the systems, regulations, and requirements it adheres to, such as compliance with national and international traffic regulations.
During its participation in the ‘Gulf Traffic Week’ in the governorates of Muscat, Dhofar, and Musandam, organised by the Royal Oman Police under the slogan ‘Driving Without a Phone’, OQ highlighted its educational initiatives aimed at raising traffic awareness and promoting compliance with established regulations, with the goal of increasing awareness about the dangers of using mobile phones while driving and enhancing safe driving behaviour.
The group makes significant efforts in road safety as part of its security, safety, and environmental strategies, embedding them within its companies and sectors. It contributes to road risk awareness, establishes controls and requirements for vehicle drivers to comply with traffic regulations through regulations binding employees and contractors as indicators, and imposes penalties on violators of regulations.
OQ applies national and international safety standards to avoid any incidents resulting in casualties due to accidents in its companies and facilities. In 2023, it worked on adopting the second road safety strategy, automating the trip management system, implementing virtual reality in driver training, installing a driver fatigue detection system (camera) using artificial intelligence, and installing two solarpowered speed radar units to ensure compliance with specified speeds.
It also mandated vehicle tracking systems, defined approved speed limits, required drivers to undergo defensive driving courses as a prerequisite for employment within operational areas, in addition to adopting a periodic medical examination programme for drivers to ensure their good health and assess their impact on driving, setting criteria for driver acceptance based on age, years of experience, and previous accident record (if any), as well as evaluating actual driver performance on the road.
All new drivers undergo a training programme on the company's road safety laws and requirements, and road safety teams are appointed responsible for improving driver visibility, examining vehicles, and ensuring compliance with road safety requirements. Monthly awareness bulletins are shared with all drivers to keep them informed of the latest and best practices in road safety. A rewards and positive reinforcement system is also adopted for committed and outstanding drivers.