10 driving tips to keep you safe during Ramadan

Fasting for long durations, such as during Ramadan, can lead to low blood sugar and dehydration. This can make you feel tired and impatient. It can also lead to headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration.

In addition, sleeping habits change during Ramadan. People might stay up late at night or get up early in the morning. Lack of sleep causes problems such as impaired performance, irritability, daytime drowsiness and micro-sleeps.

“Few hours of sleep, evenings full of social obligations and errant meal times affect the driver’s ability to remain alert and focused while driving. Fatigue reduces the driver’s concentration level and increases his reaction time. It means that extreme caution is required while driving during Ramadan,” says P.M. Abdul Razak, Assistant Manager-ITC, Emirates Driving Institute (EDI).

Studies indicate that fasting affects cognitive functioning, and this has a direct effect on driving ability.

It affects mainly two areas that are relevant to driving. Your reaction time is slower and spatial perception (which, of course, is vital to driving) is much worse.

Lack of concentration, yawning, sore eyes and day-dreaming can lead to missing road signs or exits, lane indiscipline, among other problems.

Below are some tips and precautions drivers must observe during Ramadan:

1. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and eat your meals at a fixed time.

2. If you feel sleepy before driving, take a power nap and then start your journey.

3. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately.

4. Be more courteous and patient towards other road users.

5. Start your journey early to avoid last-minute speeding.

6. Always adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions.

7. Watch out for other fatigued drivers and their actions.

8. See and be seen. Before you head out on the road at night, ensure that your headlights, taillights, and signal lights are clean and working properly. Clean your windows to remove road film and dust that could impair your ability to see clearly.

9. Consider public transport, or even a car pool if you are feeling tired.

10. Observe all traffic signs, rules and regulations. Sudden swerving and lane-cutting should be avoided. Always remain alert and concentrate on your defensive driving techniques throughout the month of Ramadan and even after that.

Written by P.M. Abdul Razak, Assistant Manager-ITC, Emirates Driving Institute, Dubai.