Source: www.rta.ae
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) called on motorists to exercise care and caution while driving during the holy month of Ramadan, as fatigue and drowsiness tend to impair the driver’s attention and consequently increase the chances of sustaining crashes.
Engineer Hussain Al Banna, Director of Traffic, RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, said that the aim of the awareness campaign rolled out by the RTA to educate motorists on safe driving practices during Ramadan was to reduce the number of traffic accidents and the resulting fatalities during the month to the least possible level, citing that the previous Ramadan had seen 239 traffic accidents resulting in 16 fatalities.
“The Campaign, which was run early August last under the theme: Accepted Fasting & Safe Road, used several tools to deliver its awareness message to the public such as the awareness brochure published in both Arabic & English that included several essential tips and instructions about how to avoid traffic accidents. The Campaign also included delivering awareness lectures at some public & private entities such as the Ministry of Social Affairs and Dubai Ports in addition to displaying awareness flashes through RTA’s Virtual Messaging Signs,” said Al Banna.
The Director of Traffic added that during the Campaign RTA was keen on utilizing its human resources in delivering the awareness message to the largest possible pool of drivers, where the inspectors of paid public parking distributed awareness guidelines leaflets at all refueling stations of Emarat; one of RTA’s key partners in the Campaign.
The awareness brochure also included several awareness tips urging motorists to take sufficient rest before driving, and to stop to take a break if they feel exhausted, drowsy or yawning frequently as taking a break, though brief, might help the driver complete his journey.
The brochure also called on drivers who hear Maghreb Azan while driving to stop at the nearest petrol station or grocery to take a light Iftar – even if it was simply a cup of water and few dates – before resuming their travel.
It was also mentioned in the brochure that most traffic accidents that usually take place during Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving safe distance between vehicles. It called on motorists to comply with the sufficient distance requirement, and ensure that the seat-back is in an upright position, and have their heads up to ensure correct posture while driving.
