Emirates Driving Institute Provides ‘Safe Driving Tips' for Ramadan

Dubai, 8th July 2013: The Holy month of Ramadan is here and it is a time for spiritual reflection and exchanging good will.

Ramadan offers a number of health benefits, but fasting does have  physiological and physical effects on human body. Especially this Ramadan in peak of summer can easily lead to dehydration and fatigue. Fasting can cause temporary low blood sugar which will drastically affect the attentiveness, concentration, vision and action/ reaction.

Mr. P.M Abdul Razak, Asst. Manager/ITC at EDI said “Lesser hours of sleep, irregular meal times and evenings full with prayers/ social gatherings/events affects driving ability.”

To ensure safe driving, safety of passengers and other road users around during Ramadan, EDI recommends the following-

Tips:

Ø  Plan a scheduled well- sleeping time, consistent meals time and regular exercise routine

Ø  If you feel sleepy before driving, take a nap for not more than 15 minutes

Ø  If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately and take a short nap

Ø  After the nap, get out of the car and walk about to help improve your blood circulation

Ø  If you are fasting and not sure to reach your destination on iftar time, better secure the Iftar meal  with you and have it after stopping the car in a safe place rather than rushing

Ø  Avoid driving after heavy meal especially, after ending the fast

Ø  Always maintain sufficient safe distance with the vehicle in front

Ø  Always adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions

Ø  Be more courteous and patient with other road users

Ø  Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination on time

Ø  Avoid driving for long hours.

Ø  Buckle up yourself and insist all your passengers to wear seat belt at all times

Ø  If possible, avoid the roads from around one hour before sunset. At this time, people will be driving at high speeds to make it home in time to end the fast. Most driving rules are not followed in these situations

Ø  If someone looks like he is on road rage and shouting at you, no matter how difficult it is, let it go.

Ø  Expect the unexpected at all times.

Ø  The best time to drive during the Ramadan is, just after the iftar time as the roads will be free of traffic

Ø  Be aware of your own fatigue, as well as your physical and mental condition, to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers and the others

Ø  Drive defensively. Observe all traffic signs, rules and regulations. Most importantly, watch out for the other drivers on the road. Use your defensive driving techniques to avoid dangerous situations and so, you can always anticipate other drivers' actions

Ø  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.