Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is advising drivers to stay off the roads if feeling drowsy, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when concentration levels can fluctuate due to the change in eating and sleeping habits.
The RTA has been spreading the word among taxi and truck drivers by distributing awareness leaflets together with Iftar meals under the theme 'Enjoy Your Iftar and Focus on Your Way'.
The RTA has also created messages on its social media channels, website, and at their customer service centres.
It has also organised an initiative with driving institutes in Dubai. Any trainee driver who passes their driving test will be presented with an Iftar voucher including important instructions about safe driving. About 8000 awareness leaflets are being distributed during the holy month.
Most traffic accidents that take place in Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving a safe distance between vehicles. Drivers are also advised to ensure their air-conditioning is on as hot conditions can increase the feeling of exhaustion.
Some of the recommendations include taking a sufficient amount of rest before getting behind the wheel, stopping driving if feeling drowsy or yawning, relaxing and resting for a short period to help to complete a journey safely and once a motorist hears the call for Maghreb prayer while driving, they need to stop to take a light Iftar, even if a glass of water and a few dates, before resuming the journey.
#RTA has directed motorists against driving while feeling exhausted or tired, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, where the concentration of some motorists drops due to the change in eating and sleeping habits.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) April 21, 2022
For this purpose,https://t.co/6pqh6Vr9EF pic.twitter.com/yAS4rIO32s