Dubai: The three hours prior to iftar are likely to see the most accidents, police said, warning motorists to be careful.
Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Director of Dubai Traffic Police, said people tend to drive aggressively between 4pm and 7pm during Ramadan.
During Ramadan last year there were 15 deaths and 156 injuries in 166 accidents involving 203 vehicles. Between 4pm and 7pm there were 28 accidents in which one person died and 27 were injured.
In 2012, there were 11 deaths and 185 injuries in 190 accidents involving 360 vehicles during Ramadan. Between 4pm and 7pm there were 40 accidents in which four people died and 43 were injured.
Safety campaign
Dubai Traffic Police released these statistics at a press conference on Tuesday to launch their annual Ramadan campaign titled ‘Don’t let your driving hurt your fast’.
Col Al Mazroui said: “It is better to avoid driving between 4pm and 7pm if one does not have any pressing errands before iftar. It is dangerous; smokers especially get angry easily due to the lack of nicotine,” he said.
Rear-ending is the most common traffic offence during Ramadan, Al Mazroui said. In Ramadan 2013, 48,903 fines were issued and 673 vehicles impounded for the offence. In Ramadan 2012, 38,448 fines were issued and 207 vehicles impounded for the offence.
The traffic department, in cooperation with Al Ihsan Charity in Ajman, will also distribute packages of dates, water and juice for road-users to break their fast. This will take place in eight areas under the jurisdiction of Bur Dubai Police and eight areas in the jurisdiction of Deira Police.
