Planning a road trip in Oman? You’ll want to exercise caution when it comes to the rules of the road. According to a recent advice update from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Royal Omani Police are now implementing stiffer penalties for traffic offenses as of January 2008. Running a red light, using the shoulder to pass another car or driving with an invalid or expired license will result in a minimum 48 hour jail sentence.
Government travel advice warns that all travellers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Oman. Using a cell phone while driving is still prohibited, and anyone who is believed to be at fault in an accident may be jailed for 48 hours. Watch out for hazards such as wandering lifestock and poorly lit roads.
Want to know more? Check out the government advisories section on our Oman Travel Advisory page, and take a look at AST's Five things you should know before you drive abroad.
Showing posts with label road travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road travel. Show all posts
February 25, 2008
January 24, 2008
Mexico City's new "Women only" bus service
Concerned about safety on public transit? Look for the pink signs.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
While a fact of life for the locals, Mexico City’s overcrowded transit system is the subject of warnings in travel advice. The crowded, chaotic buses are the perfect cover for pick pocketing and theft, and travellers are often warned against taking public transit during rush hour for this reason.
However, the women of Mexico City have a different concern: the groping, assault and verbal abuse they face on a daily basis. According to a recent article on Reuters, the transit authority has received numerous complaints and is now trying a new option: Women only buses. Identified by their pink signs, these buses run on the regular routes but only accept female passengers.
Currently, the buses only run on two of the city’s busiest routes, but look for a wider expansion of the program by April. The metro system also has reserved cars for women and children.
January 16, 2008
Get the 511 on traffic information
Traveling the U.S. by car? You probably already know that dialing 911 will reach emergency services and 411 will give you directory assistance. But did you know that 511 can give you important information that could affect your travels?
Like it’s “11” cousins, this number is being implemented through many states and areas to ensure consistency and easy access to information. With one call, the service provides information on traffic conditions, road closures, construction and emergency alerts. This data is also available online through the Federal Highway Administration at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm
A word to the wise: While the basic service is usually free, cell phone users may want to watch out for roaming and airtime fees, and hotel guests should check into phone use fees. Using a payphone is an expensive alternative.
Like it’s “11” cousins, this number is being implemented through many states and areas to ensure consistency and easy access to information. With one call, the service provides information on traffic conditions, road closures, construction and emergency alerts. This data is also available online through the Federal Highway Administration at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm
A word to the wise: While the basic service is usually free, cell phone users may want to watch out for roaming and airtime fees, and hotel guests should check into phone use fees. Using a payphone is an expensive alternative.
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