A road safety expert urged motorists to take extra care behind the wheel during Ramadan.
Thomas Edelmann, the founder of Road Safety UAE, issued a 13-step guide to steering clear of accidents during the holy month.
Using data compiled from more than 6,000 insurance claims during previous Ramadans, the campaign group found the peak time for accidents is between 2pm and 5pm, in the run-up to iftar, as drivers rush home to break their fast, and in the busy morning period between 8am and 10am.
"Just before sunset is a particularly problematic time, in part because people are at their most hungry, and also because motorists are rushing towards their iftar appointments," said Mr Edelmann.
A combination of fasting and high temperatures can result in dehydration and low blood sugar which has an adverse effect on concentration, vision and reaction, according to Mr Edelmann.
A rise in injuries and fatalities resulting from road accidents is traditionally reported during Ramadan.
Police warn the public to extra vigilant during the period, by ensuring they take their time and do not tailgate.
Motorists aged over 40 and male motorists are the most likely to be involved in a crash, the Road Safety UAE study concluded.
So how can you avoid getting involved in an accident this Ramadan? Here are 10 salient pieces of advice from the team at Road Safety UAE.
13 road safety tips for Ramadan
- Be aware of your own potential limitations
- Watch out for other traffic participants potentially suffering from hunger or fatigue
- Expect the unexpected – we must all drive defensively
- Plan for possible delays and add a time buffer
- Always wear your seat belt
- If you are male and over 40, be extra careful
- Approach signals carefully at iftar time even when the light is green, and do not jump red lights
- Keep a sufficient distance between their vehicle and do not tailgate
- Plan your schedules properly and leave early to avoid the need for rushing or speeding
- Around sunset prior to iftar, be very cautious or stay off the roads at sundown if you can avoid it
- Use your lights during dusk, before iftar
- Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep, and pull over immediately if you becoming drowsy
- If you are a 'weaker' user of the roads (pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist), watch out for potentially irrational behaviour of other traffic participants
In pictures: Ramadan 2021 around the Gulf
-
A member of the Moon-sighting committee looks through a telescope near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to look for the new crescent moon that will mark the beginning Ramadan the following day. Reuters -
A member of the Moon-sighting committee looks through binoculars, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reuters -
Muslims pray during the first dawn prayers of Ramadan, around the Kaaba, the sacred cube-shaped building at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo -
Workers disinfect the ground as Muslim pilgrims walk round the Kaaba, during the Umrah pilgrimage, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. AP Photo -
A vendor puts up stars and crescent moon decorations in his shop at a market in Kuwait City, Kuwait, the day before the start of Ramadan. AFP -
A vendor decorates his shop with lanterns, at a market in Kuwait City, the day before the start of the holy month. AFP -
Decorations in the shape of a crescent moon inlaid within a five-pointed star bearing Arabic text reading Ramadan Mubarak – Blessed Ramadan – at the City Walk district of Dubai, with the Burj Khalifa in the background. AFP -
A customer inspects the produce at a spice shop in Dubai, ahead of the holy month. AFP -
Ramadan lights illuminate the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
A vendor sells fresh produce at Al Mawaleh market in Oman's capital Muscat, ahead of Ramadan. AFP
