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Tips to drive safely this Ramadan
Dubai - Stay alert on or off the road just before Iftar time to avoid the deadly evening rush
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time of endless blessings for everyone to purify their selves and exchange good will.
Though Ramadan can offer a number of health benefits, we know that fasting has physiological and psychological effects. Fasting can cause temporary low blood sugar, which drastically affects attentiveness, concentration, vision and action/reaction. Especially this Ramadan in peak time of summer can lead easily to dehydration and fatigue.
Lesser hours of sleep, irregular meal times and evenings with full of prayers, social gatherings and events affect our ability to be alert and focused when driving. This extra stress on our body causes fatigue and diminishes the ability to drive efficiently. Once fatigue sets in while driving, the only option is to stop the vehicle at a safe place, far from the road, as soon as possible.
To ensure safe driving, the safety of our passengers and other road users during Ramadan, we need to be aware of our own fatigue as well as other drivers' around.
Safe driving Tips during Ramadan
- Plan a scheduled sleeping time, consistent meals time and regular exercise routine
- If you feel sleepy before driving, take a nap for not more than 15 minutes
- Buckle up yourself and make all your passengers wear the seat belt at all times
- If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately and take a short nap
- After the nap, get out of the car and walk about to help improve blood circulation
- Always maintain a sufficient safe distance with the vehicle in front
- Always adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions
- Be more courteous and patient with other road users
- Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination on time
- If you are fasting and not sure if you will reach your destination in time for Iftar, secure a meal with you to break fast and have it after stopping the car in a safe place instead of rushing
- Avoid driving for long hours
- Avoid driving after a heavy meal, especially after breaking fast
- If at all possible, avoid the roads one hour before sunset. At this time, people often drive at high speed to make it home in time to break the fast
- If someone looks like he is in a 'road rage' and shouting at you, no matter how difficult it is, let it go and keep calm
- Expect the unexpected at all times
- The best time to drive during the Ramadan is just after the Iftar time, as the roads will have less traffic
- Be aware of your own fatigue as well as your physical and mental condition to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and others
- Drive defensively. Observe all traffic signs, rules and regulations. Most importantly, watch out for the other drivers on the road. Use defensive driving techniques to avoid dangerous situations and so, you can always anticipate other drivers' actions
- If you are tired, use taxis, buses or even join a car pool
Good and kind deeds towards others, good habits on the roads during the month of Ramadan should become permanent habits for the future.
Robert A. Hodges is the Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Driving Institute.
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