Safety First launches
MUSCAT — Safety First, Oman’s leading road safety organisation, has launched a campaign to raise awareness for the widespread issue of road accidents and deaths in Oman.
A 90-second film entitled Tell us your story is one of many nationwide initiatives undertaken by the campaigning organisation in recent months, that is founded by Oman national team captain Ali al Habsi and former rally champion Hamed al Wahaibi.
Speaking on the film, Ali al Habsi said: “This film focuses on society, and the wider impacts of road accidents on Oman’s roads, encouraging people to speak up and talk about their loss. It is hard to find a single person that has in some way, not suffered as a result of a road accident, myself included.
“In this film you see a mixture of people from Omani society; politicians, sports stars, television personalities and police officials, as well as people that are not in the public eye. The message from all is the same, no matter whom you are, road accidents affect everyone. Everyone has a story to tell.”
Hamed al Wahaibi said: “This film really brings home the tragic loss that is suffered by people as a result of road accidents. “We hope this film, will start a wider conversation amongst people in Oman, and provoke them to change their behaviour when using the roads. At the same time hear from them about their experiences.
“The film is available online and via Safety First social media platforms. We hope that people will share, tweet and post and tell their story.”
‘Tell us your story’ was shot in Muscat for Safety First, Oman’s leading road safety charity.
The film is in Arabic, and an English subtitled version is also available. It features a number of prominent figures within Omani society that include Ali al Habsi, Oman national football team captain; Hamed al Wahaibi, former rally champion and road safety advocate; Sultan bin Hamdoon al Harthy, President of Muscat Municipality; Fatma al Nabhani, Professional tennis player; Major Said bin Mohammed al Baddai, Royal Omani Police, Director of Public Relations; Khalil bin Abdullah al Khonji, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Saleh Zaal, Actor; Khamis al Balushi, Reporter and Manager Oman TV2; Shukur bint Mohammed al Ghamari, former Director of Omani Women’s Association; and Khalid bin Saleh al Zadjali, Broadcaster.
In addition to these wellknown faces, there is a biker, shop owner and fisherman. All people filmed in this video tell of the person they know that has been killed in a road accident.
The ages range from children to the elderly, showing the full scale of the problem.
The film was premiered at the Oman vs. Australia World Cup Qualifier as well as being made available via Safety First social media channels, such as Twitter and Facebook.
The social media push looks to engage the youth of Oman, to share their experiences and start the debate within society about tackling the problem.
Safety First works with the government and numerous societal stakeholders to develop and implement long term awareness campaigns that will put an end to dangerous road behaviour by informing, engaging and empowering people to make safer decisions when using the roads.