Muscat – Drivers planning long trips this summer have been urged to carry out comprehensive vehicle safety checks as soaring temperatures increase the risk of mechanical failures and road accidents.

Lt Col Abdullah bin Yahya Al Sarmi, Director of the Traffic Safety Institute at ROP, said the extreme heat experienced during the summer months can affect vehicle performance and increase the likelihood of technical malfunctions.

He stressed the importance of conducting preventive inspections before embarking on long journeys, including checking tyre condition and air pressure, ensuring the cooling system and coolant levels are functioning properly, examining brake efficiency, and verifying engine oil and other fluid levels.

Motorists should also inspect batteries and electrical connections, ensure adequate fuel supplies and securely fasten luggage and travel equipment inside vehicles, he added.

Lt Col Al Sarmi noted that summer typically sees a sharp rise in travel between governorates and wilayats, making it essential for drivers to exercise greater responsibility and vigilance to safeguard all road users.

He warned that many serious traffic accidents are linked to avoidable behaviours, including speeding, mobile phone use while driving, unsafe overtaking, failure to adhere to traffic lanes, insufficient distance between vehicles and driving while fatigued.

“Excessive speed remains one of the most dangerous causes of road accidents, as it reduces a driver’s ability to react appropriately to sudden hazards, increases stopping distances and significantly raises the severity of collisions,” he said.

Addressing travel on mountain roads and steep descents, Lt Col Al Sarmi urged motorists to avoid overtaking in areas with limited visibility or on bends and to make use of designated emergency escape lanes when necessary. He also stressed the importance of following all traffic signs and safety instructions.

He concluded by advising drivers to stop immediately if they feel drowsy or tired, plan regular rest breaks during journeys, share driving duties where possible, avoid medications that may cause drowsiness and maintain a comfortable vehicle environment through proper ventilation and temperature control to enhance concentration and alertness.