Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Speed limits are maximums for good conditions, not targets. In Oman, unless a sign says otherwise, common defaults are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on motorways/dual carriageways. Posted limits near schools, roadworks, junctions or hazards override those defaults and must be obeyed. Reduce speed in rain, sand, dust, heat shimmer, darkness or when loaded.
Following distance
Use at least a two-second gap in dry, clear conditions. At 90 km/h that is about 50 metres. In rain, sand, poor visibility or with a heavy load, use four seconds or more. The gap gives you time to see, decide and stop; it also protects you from the vehicle ahead braking suddenly.
Worked example
You are travelling at 90 km/h on a rural road and a truck ahead is throwing up sand. Your two-second gap is 50 m, but you cannot see past the truck. You drop back to about 100 m (four seconds), reduce speed and wait for a clear overtaking view. This is not losing time; it is buying reaction distance.
Traps
Treating the limit as a safe speed in fog or sand; tailgating to prevent others entering your lane; and measuring the gap from the car ahead rather than from a fixed roadside point. A speed camera is not the only reason to slow down-stopping distance rises with the square of speed.