Police intensify patrols during iftar period in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah: Police have intensified patrols in the hours before, during and after iftar in a bid to maintain order and prevent traffic accidents.

According to Colonel Hassan Al Jeeda, Head of the Traffic Section at Ras Al Khaimah's Traffic and Licensing Department, they have deployed more patrols during this particular period as the roads are jammed as motorists rush home or to some other places to end their fast.

He noted that a number of drivers drive recklessly during this time.

Colonel Al Jeeda added that a number of drivers tend to lose their focus and wantonly disregard traffic and road rules and standards of safe driving in their effort to get home as quickly as possible.

Moreoever, it was noted that the streets usually become crowded prior to iftar as people rush out of their homes to do last-minute shopping.

The sheer number of people on the streets coupled with the number of drivers driving irresponsibly greatly increase the chances of accidents.

Colonel Al Jeeda said that officers will be working in shifts to ensure there are enough men to cover the period.

He said officers who have ended their fast will immediately relieve those who were on duty at iftar time.

Colonel Al Jeeda likewise said that police will be on the lookout for stunt drivers who endanger the lives of motorists and pedestrians.

He said the police are exerting extra efforts to curb stunt driving, but he admitted that this has somewhat been deeply ingrained and is difficult to eradicate.

Colonel Al Jeeda noted those involved in stunt driving are youngsters - as young as 14 years old. He said they usually engage in their irresponsible acts during iftar time.

He said the essence of Ramadan becomes lost as the practice of showing off poses a danger to society.

Colonel Al Jeeda said they are everything possible to make the roads safe.