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Accidents in Ramadan down by 45%

This is due to the presence of traffic police patrols round the clock on all main roads and highways of the emirate.

Traffic in the evening on Dubai Airport Tunnel Road. -Photo by Shihab

Dubai - The per day rate of traffic accidents has gone down by 45 per cent during Ramadan, a top officer of the Dubai Police revealed on Tuesday. On an average, 1,100 traffic accidents are reported every day in Dubai, while during Ramadan, it went down to 689.

Brigadier Omar Mohammed Al Shamsi, Director of the Command Room of the Dubai Police, attributed the significant drop to traffic campaigns launched by the police, which has upped the on-road commitment of motorists.

He noted that no serious traffic accidents were reported since Ramadan began. “This is due to the presence of traffic police patrols round the clock on all main roads and highways of the emirate.”

Brigadier Al Shamsi explained that the police work in shifts during Ramadan, so that emergency calls are always attended do.

Traffic congestions are to be expected during the peak hours, he said, as the work timings in most companies operating in Dubai are the same. During the peak hours, traffic jams are observed on Al Itihad, Mohammed bin Zayed, Rabat and Shaikh Zayed roads.

Brigadier Al Shamsi warned people against driving without getting adequate sleep. “This leads to exhaustion, which in turn leads to serious traffic accidents.” People should avoid speeding, he affirmed. “A five-minute delay is better than being involved in a tragic traffic accident.”

He advised fasting drivers to stop at a gas station and have some dates and water if they happen to be driving at the time of Iftar. He stressed that motorists must be aware of the fact that emergency personnel like policemen, paramedics and firefighters; and staff from the Dubai Municipality, are also fasting. “The nature of their work requires them to be present on roads.” -amira@khaleejtimes.com