It's the holy month and the city is alive with festivities. With many celebrating Ramadan and fasting through the day, the RTA has issued out a warning to all motorists to rest in case they feel drowsy or weak. With scores of individuals fasting through the day, there have been many instances of accidents due to fainting spells, weakness, etc. Keeping this in mind, the RTA send out an SMS to all asking them to rest if they feel drowsy or weak, especially while driving.
The notice was sent out in the first week of Ramadan where authorities reminded motorists that their reckless driving could endanger someone's life. Any act of reckless driving will be fined DH2000, 23 black points and confiscation of their vehicle for 60 days.
The black point system is an initiative by the Dubai police that has helped drastically reduce the number of traffic violations on a day to day basis. Each violation has a fine and a set number of black points attached to it. Having tinted windows, driving too close to another vehicle, rude hand gestures etc are some of the offences that motorists can get black points for. Due to the festive season, police are worried that fasting may adversely affect the ability of motorists to safely drive or ride. Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar level, which in turn can affect your concentration and slow down your reaction time. Apart from this, the unusual eating and sleeping patterns followed by people can cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and can lead motorists to be easily distracted. The climate and conditions that motorists have to face also contribute to such accidents and incidents of fainting etc.
Keeping this in mind, the Dubai police has requested motorists to be vigilant and take care whenever on the road. Motorists are advised to park on the side of the road and rest in a shaded area if they feel weak or faint.
According to a study by The National, Dubai witnessed 1651 accidents during the holy month of Ramadan last year. To get ahead of the problem, the Dubai police has urged all the motorists to be careful and not to endanger their or anyone else's life. The preemptive warning has already helped reduce accidents with motorists being careful when they are out and about. Getting ample amount of rest and proper nutrition before setting out on a journey goes a long way in keeping you safe.