UAE | Traffic and Transport

Speeding upsets solemn spirit

Irresponsible motorists who drive recklessly dampen the spirit of Ramadan, residents have said. Both officials and road users agree that the problem is at its worst, especially just before iftar.

  • By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 22:16 September 18, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • The driving is crazy this time of the year. Lack ofconcentration could be the reason, says Liliane Tachajian.
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Abu Dhabi Irresponsible motorists who drive recklessly dampen the spirit of Ramadan, residents have said. Both officials and road users agree that the problem is at its worst, especially just before iftar.

During the first ten days of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi police issued as many as 28,865 tickets to traffic violators - something indicating the magnitude of the problem. Officials said speeding was the major offence with 19,672 tickets issued to drivers.

Gulf News took to the streets to hear what residents thought about the driving patterns during Ramadan.

"The traffic situation now is absolutely terrible. Dangerous driving is at its peak during rush hours, about 45 minutes to one hour to iftar and about three hours after iftar when many people go out shopping," said Dr Maha Sa'adi, a Syrian radiologist and a motorist in the emirate for the past 18 years.

"Speed is the issue... everyone wants to get home first."

He partly blamed outdated traffic management systems used in the emirate.

"Even if there are no cars from the other direction, one has to wait until the signal turns green. This can be avoided if we had intelligent systems, which give way based on the number of cars... at the signal."

As a Muslim who is fasting, Dr Sa'adi said he avoids trips just before iftar - just to be on the safe side.

Another resident, Liliane Tachajian said: "The driving is crazy this time of the year. Lack of concentration could be the reason behind it."

Hailing from Lebanon, Tachajian who works in the events and promotions sector, said that she has had several bad experiences.

"[A] few days ago, I hailed a cab to get to the Emirates Palace. Halfway through, the driver asked me to get out as it [was] time for iftar. When I refused to do so, he yelled and cursed me furiously."

Nush Merchant, an Indian homemaker attributed reckless driving to impatience.

"I feel people are very impatient on the roads nowadays, more so [during] Ramadan. In a single trip I have witnessed several traffic accidents... By evening, some of the drivers become very reckless," Merchant said.

In her opinion, fasting affects the ability to concentrate on the roads.

"There is plenty of room for more speeding cameras on Abu Dhabi roads and also increased traffic patrols", she added.

Bashir Kellawi, a Syrian pharmacist agreed.

"Drivers should embrace the spirit of Ramadan and be more patient and tolerant on the roads rather than doing the opposite," he said.

Officials said most accidents during the period before iftar were minor ones.

"Most of the accidents close to iftar are minor ones and are caused by people rushing to get back home in time for iftar," a rescue services official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

"Cut back on last minute shopping and other trips. Also, get behind the wheel only if you are fully confident. Absolute concentration on the roads is essential for the sake of safety," the rescue services official advised.

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