Muscat – With schools welcoming students back for the 2026/2027 academic year on Sunday, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) stepped up preparations to ensure their safety on the roads and during school transportation.

Major Mohammed Al Hashmi, Director of Public Relations, Royal Oman Police, said preparations had been made well in advance, with necessary measures and traffic plans put in place to safeguard students travelling to and from schools across the governorates.

Police presence has also been increased around schools and on roads leading to them to help regulate traffic, ensure smooth movement and enhance road safety.

“The safety of our students is a shared responsibility that begins with the family, is reinforced at school and is completed on the road through everyone’s cooperation,” Al Hashmi said.

He stressed the important role of parents in preparing and guiding children, organising their time and instilling discipline and awareness of safe behaviour.

Schools, meanwhile, have a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment and promote positive values and responsible behaviour among students.

Al Hashmi also highlighted the role of school bus drivers as a key part of the student safety system. Drivers must comply with traffic rules, remain alert while driving and ensure students board and leave buses only at designated and safe locations.

He stressed the need for drivers to check the bus thoroughly after dropping students off and before leaving, ensuring that no child remains inside.

Other road users also have an important role to play, he said, urging motorists to follow traffic regulations, exercise caution when approaching schools and school buses, and avoid overtaking buses that have stopped to pick up or drop off students.

He also urged motorists to remain particularly vigilant when students are crossing roads.

Al Hashmi extended his best wishes to all students for a successful and fulfilling academic year, praying for their safety and protection and stressing the importance of continued cooperation between families, schools, bus drivers and road users in maintaining public safety.