With an objective to promote traffic safety awareness among road users, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has sent awareness messages to motorists in the context of Ramadan.
Through the messages, the motorists have been educated about the risks of driving while fatigued, exhausted, or drowsy, especially during Ramadan.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), most traffic accidents that occur during Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving a safe distance between vehicles. Therefore, drivers have been advised to leave a sufficient distance between vehicles and switch on air-conditioners while driving, as hot conditions give rise to the feeling of exhaustion.
The drivers have also been asked to maintain an upright position while seated and keep their head raised while driving.
Likewise, they have been recommended to take sufficient rest before sitting behind the wheel and stop driving once they feel very tired, drowsy, or start yawning.
It has been suggested to drivers that once they hear the call for Maghrib prayer while driving, they should stop to have a light Iftar even if it’s just a glass of water and a few dates before resuming the journey.
Tips for drivers in UAE
- Avoid driving after having a heavy meal, especially after fasting.
- Be patient when driving during Ramadan and leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Expect congestion and allow more time to reach your destination to avoid potential stress while driving.
- Avoid arguing with motorists who flout traffic rules, and stay in your lane.
- Be aware that sleeping inside a vehicle with all windows closed and the A/C switched on in enclosed areas can cause suffocation and death within less than an hour.
- If you tend to be stressed during fasting, consider leaving your vehicle and using public transport to reach your destination safely.
