As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, it’s important to keep in mind that driving during this time can present its own set of challenges. It is the time when roads can get especially busy. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, it’s important to practise safe driving habits to protect yourself and others on the road.
What are the Effects of Fasting on Driving?
The weather in the UAE can be quite challenging, particularly during the summer months when the mercury soars high. When combined with fasting during Ramadan, the extreme heat can impact the driving ability greatly.
Moreover, fasting can lead to dehydration, which causes dizziness and fatigue, and impacts concentration. This makes it difficult for drivers to react quickly to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of road fatalities.
Additionally, agitation during fasting is common, making drivers more prone to aggressive driving behaviour. Agitated drivers often engage in road rage, speeding, tailgating and physical altercations with other drivers.
Keeping the effects of fasting on driving during Ramadan in mind, drivers need to practise extra precautions on the road. Here are some advanced driving tips in Ramadan to help you navigate the roads safely and stay wide alert.
List of Ramadan Driving Tips
To minimise road fatalities during Ramadan, here are some important tips for drivers to practise while fasting.
Expect the unexpected
The proactive approach of defensive driving should be practised at all times, regardless of the driving conditions. By staying alert, aware of potential hazards, and following road safety rules and driving etiquette, drivers can help protect themselves and others on the road from harm.
Approach signals carefully
Usually, traffic congestion is observed around iftar times. One of the important Ramadan driving tips is to approach signals carefully, even when the green light is on. Jumping at red lights is one of the things to avoid while driving. Taking a careful approach to signals during traffic congestion can help prevent gridlock and reduce travel times for all road users.
Stay calm while driving
Agitation is a common behaviour observed in drivers who are fasting. To minimise the impact of agitation on driving ability, drivers need to take steps to manage their emotions.
Maintaining a calm mindset may involve taking breaks from driving to rest or meditate. Also, listening to podcasts while driving or practising breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety.
Avoid speeding or tailgating
One of the essential Ramadan tips for driving is to avoid speeding and tailgating at all times. It is important to keep to the posted speed limits in the UAE or you can get a fine of over AED 300 for overspeeding. However, the fine goes up depending on how fast the motorist crosses the speed limit.
Similarly, drivers caught tailgating a vehicle in the UAE or not following a safe driving distance can get fined AED 400.
Keep the car AC on
Driving in the hot and humid weather of the UAE can be tiring especially when you are fasting during Ramadan. One of the most basic driving tips and tricks during Ramadan is to keep the car’s air conditioning on. Or you may roll down your windows to stay cool without car AC.
A cool car helps regulate the driver’s body temperature and prevent dehydration. This in turn improves the driver’s alertness and focus on the road.
Try getting sufficient rest
Fasting can disrupt sleep patterns which cause individuals to experience fatigue or drowsiness. This can impact drivers’ alertness, increasing the chances of accidents. Therefore, drivers need to get sufficient rest before their trips. Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated before heading out to maintain focus on the road.
Plan your trip beforehand
Among the many driving tips and tricks during Ramadan, one is to plan your trip beforehand to avoid speeding at the eleventh hour. You may face traffic congestion during peak hours in Ramadan. To avoid it, you can practise adding a buffer time, leaving early to avoid rushing.
Know your limitations
The most important Ramadan driving tip is to be aware of your limitations. If you detect any early signs of fatigue or drowsiness while driving, pull over immediately and take a break before heading off again. Moreover, if you feel sleepy before heading out, take a power nap or simply avoid driving and switch to public transport instead.
That is all about the Ramadan driving tips to practise while fasting. The common effects of driving while fasting can significantly impact driving ability. However, by following some practising defensive driving tips during Ramadan, drivers can ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Moreover, there are many modern cars which are equipped with the latest safety features such as driver fatigue detection systems. A driver fatigue monitoring system can detect the faintest of drivers’ drowsiness symptoms and alert them timely by visual or audible warnings. Such systems can be helpful for drivers to stay alert while fasting during Ramadan.
For that reason, if you are searching for a ride with modern safety features, browse these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay connected with dubizzle’s car blog for more tips on ensuring road safety while driving.
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