Revealed: Most dangerous time, day on UAE roads during Ramadan

Hundreds of accidents happen during the holy month which can be attributed to specific lifestyle changes

Peak accident time

The peak accident day time from 1pm to 4pm accounts for 35 per cent of road accidents, followed by the late morning rush hour from 9am to 12noon at 21 per cent.

Midweek or Wednesday is the most dangerous working day at 19 per cent, followed by Monday and Thursday both at 16 per cent, while Tuesdays see 15 per cent of accidents that go down on Friday at 13 per cent. Weekends or Saturday and Sunday see fewer accidents at 12 and 9 per cent respectively.

The study also revealed motorists in the age bracket of 30-39 years are most vulnerable, followed by those in the age bracket of 40-49.

Takako Matsuo, senior manager Direct Business and Marketing at Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd said: “Ramadan period poses a specific challenge to UAE road users and we want to contribute from our side to keep everyone safe on the road.”

The study noted “fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn can affect drivers’ attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction. Irregular meal timings and sleep patterns also cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction, which is reflected in early morning accident peaks.”

Always be extra careful

“All road users – motorists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, etc. – must be extra careful during Ramadan,” underscored Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE. “The rush on the roads is a mix of psychological urges and physical needs and motorists might use this as an excuse to misbehave on the roads,” he added.

RoadSafetyUAE shared the following tips staying safe on the road

Be aware of your own potential limitations
Expect the unexpected – drive defensively
Plan for possible delays and add buffer time
Always wear your seat belt
Watch out during late morning rush-hours
Stay off the roads at sundown, if you can avoid it
Try to anticipate sudden movements of other road users
Keep a sufficient distance and do not tailgate
Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep
Pull over immediately when you feel drowsy
Use public transport or taxis

Don’t drive when exhausted

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) called on motorists to avoid driving while feeling exhausted or sleepy during Ramadan. This call is made in response to reduced concentration by some drivers due to physical changes from fasting.

RTA noted a study commissioned by the German Road Safety Council revealed that a five-second doze-off behind the wheel is akin to driving blind for over 180 metres or more.

Last year, RTA conducted awareness events as part its traffic safety strategy anchored on the principle ‘every human life is unique and irreplaceable’.

“The measures reduced traffic-related fatalities by approximately 93 per cent from 2007 to 2023,” RTA noted.

Ramadan driving reminders

RTA shared the following safety driving tips:

1. Avoid driving immediately after consuming a large meal, particularly after fasting.

2. Exercise patience while driving during Ramadan, and ensure you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

3. Anticipate congestion by allocating extra time for travel to avoid stress during driving.

4. Refrain from engaging in disputes with motorists who disregard traffic rules; focus on staying in your lane.

5. Be aware that sleeping in a car with all windows closed and the air conditioning on in enclosed spaces can lead to suffocation in less than an hour.

6. If fasting significantly affects your concentration or increases your stress, opting for public transportation could be a safer way to reach your destination.

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