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Tips for driving safely during Ramadan

Fasting during peak summer has temporary physiological and physical effects, and can cause low blood sugar which will drastically affect the attentiveness, concentration, vision and action/reaction. This can be dangerous while driving.

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Here are some driving tips that you should follow during the holy month:

1. Have consistent meal times and regular exercise routine. This will make your body used to the changed schedule and you will not feel tired.

2. If you feel sleepy before driving, take a nap of not more than 15 minutes.

3. Buckle up yourself and insist all your passengers to wear seat belts at all times.

4. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately and rest.

5. After resting, get out of the car and walk about to help improve your blood circulation.

6. Always maintain sufficient safe distance with the vehicle in front.

7. Always adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions.

8. Be more courteous and patient with other road users.

9. Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination.

10. If you are fasting and not sure about reach your destination on Iftar time, better secure a breakfast meal with you and have it after stopping the car in a safe place.

11. Avoid driving for long hours.

12. Avoid driving after a heavy meal, especially after breaking fast.

13. If at all possible, avoid the roads from around one hour before sunset. At this time, people will be driving a break-neck speeds to make it home in time to break the fast.

14. Don't respond to road rage. Even if other over-react on the road, it's best to let it go.

15. The best time to drive during the Ramadan is just after the Iftar time as the roads will be free of traffic.

16. Be aware of your own fatigue, as well as your physical and mental condition, to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and the others on the road.

17. Drive defensively. Observe all traffic signs, rules and regulations. Most importantly, watch out for the other drivers on the road. Use your defensive driving techniques to avoid dangerous situations.

18. If you are tired and making the journey is important, hire a taxi.

Content courtesy: Emirates Driving Institute

• UAE