How To Navigate Through Road Challenges In UAE During Ramadan

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, road accidents and fatalities are unfortunately common. The increased traffic during this festive time poses unique challenges for all road users. In an effort to raise awareness and protect UAE road users, Tokio Marine, one of the largest auto insurers in the UAE, collaborated with RoadSafetyUAE to analyze their 2023 Ramadan motor insurance claims data.

Takako Matsuo, Senior Manager Direct Business and Marketing of Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd, explained that they collected and analyzed 1,320 UAE claims data to share key findings for the benefit of the people and society in the UAE. The Ramadan period presents specific challenges to road users, and Tokio Marine wants to contribute to keeping everyone safe on the road.

Thomas Edelmann, Founder & Managing Director of RoadSafetyUAE, expressed his appreciation for Tokio Marine's commitment to sharing real-life data. He highlighted the importance of using resources to raise awareness for Ramadan-specific road safety. Edelmann emphasized that UAE motorists need to be particularly cautious of the behavior of other drivers during Ramadan. More than 50% of accidents are caused by third parties, and 36% are shared fault. The majority of accidents occur between 1 to 4 pm, followed by the late morning rush hour from 9 to 12 pm.

Wednesdays are the most dangerous weekdays, while weekends are the safest. Motorists aged 30-39 and 40-49 are the most vulnerable age groups. The distribution of accidents by nationality mirrors the demographic distribution.The analysis of the claims data revealed several important insights. The fasting period during Ramadan can have physical effects on the body, especially when it coincides with hot weather. Dehydration and low blood sugar due to fasting can affect attentiveness, concentration, vision, and reaction time.

In addition, the unusual meal timings and irregular sleep patterns during Ramadan can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, impatience, and distraction, resulting in an increase in early morning accidents.

The rush on the roads during Ramadan is driven by a mix of psychological urges and physical needs, which may lead some motorists to behave recklessly. Therefore, it is crucial for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and bicyclists, to be extra careful during this time.

To ensure road safety, especially during Ramadan, the following measures are recommended.

• Be aware of your own limitations and potential effects of fasting.
• Pay attention to other road users who may be experiencing similar effects.
• Drive defensively and expect the unexpected.
• Plan for possible delays and add extra time to your journey.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Be cautious during the late morning rush hour and in the afternoon.
• Anticipate sudden movements of other road users.
• Maintain a safe distance and avoid tailgating.
• Plan your schedule properly to avoid rushing and speeding.
• If possible, avoid driving during sundown.
• Use your lights during dusk, before Iftar.
• Avoid fatigue by getting enough sleep.
• Consider using public transport or taxis.

It is important for non-fasting drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers to be considerate and generous towards fasting road users. All road users, whether fasting or not, must exercise extra caution during Ramadan. Weaker road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and motorcyclists, should be particularly vigilant of potentially irrational behavior from other road users.