Dubai calls on motorists to avoid driving while feeling exhausted during Ramadan

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) called on motorists to avoid driving while feeling exhausted or drowsy, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when the attentiveness of some motorists drops due to the change in eating and sleeping habits.

RTA is cautioning drivers about the dangers of driving vehicles while fatigued or sleepy, particularly during Ramadan. This call is made in response to the tendency for diminished concentration of some drivers due to the physical changes from fasting during this sacred month. To counteract this, RTA is launching an awareness campaign aimed at providing important driving tips throughout Ramadan, which is part of RTA's annual traffic awareness activities based on Dubai's traffic safety strategy.

RTA calls upon drivers to embody the holy month's spirit by improving their conduct on the roads, which includes observing traffic laws and respecting other road users' rights. A study commissioned by the German Road Safety Council published in 2020 revealed that a five-second doze-off behind the wheel is akin to driving blind for over 180 metres or more.

Throughout 2023, RTA embarked on an extensive campaign to enhance traffic safety and carried out over 270 awareness events targeting all community members. These events were part of the traffic safety strategy, which is anchored in the principle that "every human life is unique and irreplaceable." The measures have contributed to achieving the targets and metrics of Dubai’s Traffic Safety Strategy, notably achieving a remarkable reduction in traffic-related fatalities by approximately 93% from 2007 to 2023. This achievement has positioned Dubai among the leading cities globally in traffic safety.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other traffic safety stakeholders in Dubai, RTA approved numerous awareness activities for the month of Ramadan. The objective is to disseminate safety and guidance messages to the widest audience possible. These messages will be spread through various channels, including field activities and social media platforms of RTA and traffic awareness stakeholders.

RTA printed banners at the entrances of iftar tents scattered across Dubai carrying awareness messages to both pedestrians and drivers. Thousands of awareness leaflets have also been printed and included with iftar meals distributed to target groups such as Dubai taxi and public bus drivers, truck drivers, and other road users. These measures were taken in partnership with various government and private entities including the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, Damac Properties, Tokyo Marine Insurance Company, Bin Yaber Driving Institute, and Tristar Company.

The campaign's messages during Ramadan are designed to highlight the critical need for drivers to always maintain concentration, especially during Ramadan due to the change in sleep and work routines affecting fasting individuals. This is particularly evident when employees are returning from work, a time when concentration drops to a minimal level, impacting drivers' decision-making abilities. As such, there is a need for heightened caution and vigilance while driving during Ramadan.

RTA calls on drivers to manage their schedules to ensure they are well-rested before driving. In cases where drivers feel sleepy or fatigued, they should stop at a safe location to rest before continuing their journey. Additionally, RTA called on motorists to maintain a safe distance between vehicles and remain alert of others' driving errors to safely avoid them and wished them accepted fasting and safe journeys.

Trucks Prohibited Timing During Ramadan

Truck ban timings on key routes and areas within Dubai are being adjusted during Ramadan. On the E11 corridor extending from the Sharjah border to Interchange No. 7 on Sheikh Zayed Road passing along Al Ittihad Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road, as well as the central areas of Deira and Bur Dubai, the revised truck ban timings for these areas will be from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, instead of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM schedule.

RTA has modified the truck ban timings during the morning across the streets where the ban is enforced three times a day. The new timings will be from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, instead of the 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM schedule. The afternoon ban will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM from the usual 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Truck movement will continue to be restricted throughout the year in Al Shindagha Tunnel, Al Maktoum Bridge, the Floating Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, the Business Bay Bridge, the Infinity Bridge, and the Airport Tunnel.

For Fridays during Ramadan, the truck ban will be in effect from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM instead of 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.