Ramadan road safety campaign warns motorists to ‘expect the unexpected’

Drivers urged to exercise caution as fasting coupled with hot temperature could result in a drop in concentration.

ABU DHABI // Motorists are urged to be extra vigilant and to “expect the unexpected” while on the road during the hot summer months and Ramadan.

Emirates Transport has launched its annual traffic safety campaign for drivers to exercise caution during the holy month.

The initiative “With Safety, We’ll Have a Secure and Happy Summer” will run until the end of next month.

Officials hope to achieve a zero-accident rate this summer and during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on June 6 and end on July 5.

“We aim to reduce the number of accidents and injuries, which tend to increase during this period,” said Ibrahim Khalil Saada, manager of Abu Dhabi Transport and Rental Centre, which employs 2,200 drivers.

“Human error is the main cause of traffic accidents so we are focusing our drivers to undergo regular training on traffic safety rules, first aid, risk management, and stress the importance of daily pre-trip inspections.”

High temperatures can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which could reduce a driver’s concentration, vigilance and alertness and increase the risk of a crash.

“Fasting and the Ramadan-specific lifestyle could possibly lead to a lack of concentration and energy,” said Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE.

“This can be dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.

“All road users need to be extra careful during Ramadan. We have to watch out for each other and show a caring attitude. The ground rule must be: ‘expect the unexpected’.”

One of the campaign’s preventive measures is to ensure drivers have comprehensive and up-to-date training.

Last month, 60 drivers received first aid training from Abu Dhabi Police’s public safety and emergency department. The Traffic and Patrols Directorate also conducted a safety workshop for 195 drivers.

“They should make sure safety and maintenance equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and hazard warning triangles, are available,” Mr Al Saada said.

“Buses should be fitted with cameras to avoid the risk of reversing accidents. They should check on brakes, tyres, air pressure, oil, cooling water, safety signals and lights, the doors and make sure the emergency exits are free from obstacles.”

The centre manages and operates long-term and lease services for the government and private sector, including oil companies in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

It has 2,800 light vehicles and 1,700 buses, 300 of which are school buses. It also provides buses for people with special needs and ambulances, as well as transport services for exhibitions, national events and celebrations, hospitals, and universities.