Today's Edition
A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
Motorists in the UAE are being urged to drive with extra caution during the holy month of Ramadan, as the festive period brings unique challenges to road users.
With families coming together to observe religious and social traditions, traffic congestion increases at specific times of the day, making certain periods more hazardous for drivers.
“The pre-iftar rush on the roads can be explained as a mix of psychological urges and physical needs, and motorists might use this as an excuse to misbehave on the roads,” said RoadSafetyUAE, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting road safety.
RoadSafetyUAE has analysed Ramadan-specific accident data in previous years in collaboration with leading auto insurance companies. The findings reveal meaningful insights aimed at raising awareness and enhancing road safety during the holy month.
According to the organisation’s findings, the highest number of accidents (35%) occur between 1pm and 4pm, in the hours leading up to Iftar. Wednesdays are identified as the most dangerous weekday for accidents, whereas weekends are statistically the safest. The most vulnerable group of motorists falls within the 30-39 age bracket, followed by those aged 40-49.
Thomas Edelmann, Founder and Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, highlighted the need for increased vigilance, particularly regarding the behaviour of other drivers. “UAE motorists need to be especially careful with regards to the behaviour of other drivers in Ramadan, as in more than 50% of accidents, a third party is at fault, and in 36% of cases, the fault is shared.”
To help motorists navigate Ramadan safely, RoadSafetyUAE has issued a set of Ramadan-specific safety tips:
- Be aware of your own physical limitations while fasting.
- Watch out for other road users who may be experiencing fatigue or distraction, particularly motorcyclists, micro-mobility users, and pedestrians.
- Expect the unexpected – defensive driving is essential.
-Allow extra time for your journey and start early to accommodate potential delays.
- If you are running late, remain calm – others will understand.
- Take extra care in the pre-Iftar rush and during the late morning commute.
- Get adequate sleep to avoid fatigue-related incidents.
If you feel drowsy while driving, pull over immediately.
- Consider using public transport or taxis when possible.
Always wear your seat belt – Ramadan is a great time to start making it a habit.
- Avoid distractions – do not use your phone while driving.
Be respectful to others, use indicators properly, and avoid abrupt manoeuvres.
- Maintain a safe following distance – avoid tailgating.
With an increased number of vehicles on the roads and altered routines affecting driver behaviour, Ramadan presents a critical time for road safety awareness. By taking preventive measures and exercising patience, motorists can contribute to a safer driving environment for all road users during this special time of year.
