Dubai RTA Advocates For Enhanced Road Safety During Ramadan

In a proactive move to enhance road safety during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a cautionary message to motorists. The authority highlighted the risks associated with driving while fatigued or drowsy, a common issue during Ramadan due to altered eating and sleeping patterns. This initiative is part of RTA's broader traffic safety strategy aimed at reducing accidents and improving road conduct among drivers in Dubai.

Understanding the physical and mental changes that fasting can bring, the RTA is launching an awareness campaign throughout Ramadan. This campaign is designed to offer vital driving tips to motorists, encouraging them to stay alert and maintain focus while on the road. It underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws and respecting the rights of other road users, embodying the spirit of the Holy Month through improved road behavior.

A study by the German Road Safety Council, published in 2020, sheds light on the dangers of drowsy driving. It found that a mere five-second lapse in attention due to dozing off is equivalent to driving blind for a distance of over 180 metres. This startling statistic underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and caution among drivers, especially during periods like Ramadan when fatigue levels can be higher.

RTA's Traffic Safety Achievements

The RTA's commitment to traffic safety has been unwavering throughout 2023, with over 270 awareness events conducted targeting various community segments. These efforts are part of a comprehensive traffic safety strategy that values human life as unique and irreplaceable. Thanks to these initiatives, Dubai has seen a significant reduction in traffic-related fatalities, with a decrease of approximately 93 percent from 2007 to 2023. This remarkable achievement places Dubai among the leading cities worldwide in terms of traffic safety.

Collaborative Efforts for Ramadan

In preparation for Ramadan, the RTA has joined forces with Dubai's Ministry of Interior and other key stakeholders in traffic safety to roll out numerous awareness activities. The goal is to spread safety messages as widely as possible through field activities, social media platforms, and other channels. Special attention is being given to distributing these messages at strategic locations such as iftar tents entrances across Dubai, where banners carrying awareness messages have been placed.

Additionally, thousands of leaflets are being distributed alongside iftar meals to specific target groups including taxi and public bus drivers, truck drivers, and other road users. This initiative has seen collaboration with various government and private entities such as the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, Damac Properties, Tokyo Marine Insurance Company, Bin Yaber Driving Institute, and Tristar Company.

The RTA's efforts during Ramadan are a testament to its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all road users in Dubai. By fostering an environment of caution and respect on the roads, the authority aims to continue its streak of reducing traffic-related incidents and maintaining Dubai's status as a global leader in traffic safety.

With inputs from WAM