11.04 AM Friday, 29 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:56 06:10 12:26 15:53 18:37 19:52
29 March 2024

Motorists cautioned against risks of fatigue

Picture used for illustrative purposes only. (FILE)

Published
By Staff

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has urged motorists to exercise care and caution while driving during Ramadan, as fatigue and drowsiness tend to impair a driver’s attention and increase the risk of road crashes.

Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic, RTA Traffic and Roads Agency, said the aim of the awareness campaign rolled out by the RTA was to educate motorists on safe driving practices during Ramadan and reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities.

He said there were 239 traffic accidents that resulted in 16 fatalities during Ramadan last year.

“The campaign, launched earlier in August, used several tools to deliver its awareness message to the public such as brochure published in both Arabic and English that included several essential tips and instructions on how to avoid traffic accidents. The campaign also included lectures at some public and private entities in addition to flashes through the RTA’s virtual messaging signs,” said Al Banna.

He said the RTA utilised its human resources and paid parking inspectors distributed awareness guidelines leaflets at all refuelling stations of Emarat, one of RTA’s key partners in the campaign.

The brochure urged motorists to take adequate rest before driving and to take a break if they feel exhausted and drowsy. It also urged drivers who hear the call to end their fast to stop at the nearest petrol station or grocery to take a light iftar before resuming their journey.

The brochure said most traffic accidents during Ramadan happen as drivers do not leave a safe distance between vehicles and urged motorists to comply with the requirement.