The Sultan's School has started a campaign to raise awareness on road safety, by educating its students on the importance of wearing seat belts. “If we try to focus on schools and on reducing casualties during periods such as the holy month of Ramadan, we can make a difference,” said Anthony Cashin, principal of The Sultan's School.

Students, along with the Oman Racing Team members, distributed leaflets that listed the statistics of road accidents. They approached cars that were parking at the school and advised those that weren't buckled up to do so.

During the Eid al Fitr holidays, between September 16 and 25, there were 44 deaths and 199 injuries. These fatalities could be greatly reduced by simply wearing a seat belt, said Cashin. “In the big scheme of things, the campaign could be a way orward if we continue to hand out fliers and then take it further. Schools could form a common committee to work towards better awareness.”

To reinforce the campaign, the school has sought the help of two members of the Oman Racing Team, including its former student champion Ahmad al Harthy, who said, “Tackling road safety at schools is the way forward; it should be addressed in text books and defensive driving courses.”

“Our staff has been on duty for some time, promoting safety in the car parking. One of the major problems is that children who are rarely buckled up, are on their mother laps or sitting in the front seat,” said Cashin. “If an accident doesn't kill the children, then the air bag will. It's so dangerous, I get shivers when I see that. We need to kick up the safety campaign along with the government and the ministries. It will take time, but it will work,” said Harthy.

“I always wear my seat belt and think students should understand its importance. I think they will remember the disturbance we caused this morning and act upon it,” said Saeed al Aufy, head boy at The Sultan's School.

“Being a racing car driver has made me realise how important it is to drive safely. We learn from the race track that you can't race until you are safe, and you shouldn't be able to drive until you are buckled up as well,” said Harthy.