Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Ramadan is a very special time and it’s all about being with the ones close to us, which creates a lot of traffic! This period poses unique challenges for all kinds of road-users.
The Ramadan-specific lifestyle has physical effects on the body - especially when coinciding with the hot summer season like this year.
Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn can limit our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction. In addition to fasting, the unusual eating and sleeping patterns can cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction.
The 2016 Ramadan data of 1,845 reported accident and insurance claims in the Gulf region have been analysed to allow road safety campaigners the opportunity to find out if any lessons can be learned.
They believe it is of the ‘utmost importance’ to know how lifestyle changes during this time can affect behaviour, as well as the behaviour of other motorists and they have come up with five vital tips:
1. Be aware of your own limitations.
2. Watch out for others potentially under the same limitations.
3. Expect the unexpected – we all MUST drive defensively.
4. Plan your schedule properly and leave early to avoid the need of rushing and speeding.
5. Always wear your seat belt.
“Motorists must realise, that even if they arrive late for a Ramadan event, people will understand,” said Mustafa Oliyath Vazayil, managing director of Gargash Insurance Brokers. “Good time management is crucial and motorists are urged to leave early enough and allow for a time buffer to reach their destination on time.
“We need to display a caring attitude for ourselves and for others in this very special period.”
The main findings of the survey revealed that the majority of accidents happened during the morning office rush hour.
Accidents were very evenly spread over the four weeks of Ramadan. The most dangerous weekdays were Wednesdays and least dangerous were Sundays.
Drivers aged 40+ were over-proportionally more involved in traffic accidents than younger motorists. Males were significantly more accident prone than females.
Frederik Bisbjerg, QIC Insured executive vice president - MENA retail, believes three main findings should be flagged:
Older motorists (40+) must take extra caution.
Mind the morning rush-hour.
Male motorists need to pay extra attention to their driving attitude.
