Friday 15 / November / 2024
Muscat: Road safety experts have called for safer and regulated areas for dune bashing, following a recent accident on the Bausher Dunes, a hotspot for adventure drivers.
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A video showing a white FJ Cruiser rolling down the dunes and being heavily damaged was circulated on social media over the weekend. Desert safaris, also called dune bashing, is a popular sport in Oman. The abundance of sands across the country has made the Sultanate a hub for people who enjoy the sport.
However, the sport has been tainted by accidents which have occurred from time to time. One of the key reasons, experts say, is the lack of concern about safety among dune bashers, as well as no areas being regulated.
“Oman has hundreds of kilometres of sand, and people are fond of desert safaris; it is a tourist attraction. However, the lack of safety awareness among people who practise the sport makes it troublesome,” said Ali Al Barwani, Chairman of the Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA). “People usually go up there without much knowledge of the safety precautions they need to take; this is sad because it is a risky sport, and you need to be fully aware of the minimum safety measures that have to be taken before you head up with a 4WD.”
Dune bashing needs regulated zones, he pointed out. “I think there should be regulated areas for dune bashing in the country, because it is so popular. There are many popular spots for the sport, but there is no control or regulation at these places. People can go with a 4WD and just start.
“ORSA’s core mission is to ensure people have the minimum awareness and knowledge, especially when they pursue risky hobbies. “Many like to show off on the dunes, but they should realise that safety is the key, and a small mistake can cost them their lives,” explained Al Barwani.
A spokesperson from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) confirmed that a recent accident occurred, and told the Times of Oman, “All we can advise those who partake in the activities at Bausher Dunes is to follow the safety guidelines issued by the hosts. Human error can be the cause of the accident.”
A few years ago, two friends rode the Bausher Dunes on a quad bike for the first time, without a helmet or safety gear.
They met with an accident while descending the dunes. One of them sustained partial burns on his face, while the other received chest injuries when the quad bike fell over.
Nadeem Al Balushi, an enthusiast, remarked, “I am not a professional, but I like to enjoy desert safaris safely, which is why I usually go to the Wahiba Sands, as the Bausher Dunes are not very safe. People visit the Bausher Dunes to hold barbeques and leave some of their trash behind, including grilling stones; so naturally, if someone drives close to this, they would want to avoid it, and sometimes that can cause accidents.
“You can also rent quad bikes in the area, and I have noticed children riding these bikes, as well, without any safety gear. This is not acceptable.
“I know of some accidents at the Bausher Dunes, and I feel that it should be closed down or regulated, so that people can be safe. It is a huge issue which needs attention,” he noted.
