Intensified Ramadan campaigns to ensure safety on roads, mosques

Government and civic bodies across the UAE have intensified their safety campaigns to spread the message of tolerance and happiness as the entire country is preparing for the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.
Abu Dhabi launches campaign
The Abu Dhabi Police have launched on Thursday a month-long campaign dubbed 'Ramadan: Safety and Tolerance'.
Major-General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, director-general of Abu Dhabi Police, said the police in the Capital are "ready to provide all safety requirements, including quick response to potential incidents." He also urged the public to call 999 in case of any emergency.
"We will intensify patrol on the roads and near the mosques during Taraweeh prayers by using smart systems to monitor traffic violators and ensure smooth traffic flow during the holy month of Ramadan," he said.
The Criminal Security Sector has also launched a campaign to fight begging, while the General Directorate of Civil Defence has raised the public awareness on Ramadan tents' safety instructions to avoid fires.

The Women Police Affairs Office of the Abu Dhabi Police will organise a series of majlis throughout the holy month of Ramadan to disseminate awareness among women on different security, cultural and community-related issues while the Security Media Department will be publishing multi-lingual educational messages via the police's social media channels.
Moreover, the community police department will organise the third edition of its Ramadan Majlis, under the theme "Peace, Tolerance and Positivity." The firearms and explosives department will also focus on educating the public on the dangers of fire crackers that are widely used by children during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.
The police, together with other volunteering bodies, will also distribute Iftar meals to the motorists near traffic lights and at the intersections just before the breaking of the fast.
90 patrols on Sharjah roads
Major Mohammad Alai Al Naqbi, head of the traffic and patrol department at the Sharjah Police, said that the traffic police have put up plans which include the deployment of 90 patrols on roads in the emirate to reduce accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow during Ramadan. The police patrols will be deployed in intersections, shopping malls, entertainment areas and crowded places in various parts of the emirate.
The police will also be present around mosques to prevent thefts from cars and regulate parking lots around mosques during prayer times. 
Major Al Naqbi urged all motorists and members of the public to abide by the speed limits and other rules to avoid accidents. "The police will not tolerate anybody who hampers traffic movement near mosques at prayer time," he warned.
Col. Ibrahim Al Ajill, director of the criminal investigation department of the Sharjah Police, said that Isnad security patrols will be deployed in commercial and residential areas to prevent any criminal activities and to ensure security of residents. He said police patrols will be deployed round the clock to ensure safety and security.
Ajman Police all prepared
Lieutenant-Colonel Saif Abdullah Al Falasi, director of the traffic and patrols department at the Ajman Police, announced the police's readiness to receive the holy month of Ramadan with a comprehensive security and traffic plan.
They have also completed preparations to provide a safe environment for fasting people and worshippers in mosques, and support the values of community and humanitarian communication among the members of society.
He added that more than 40 patrols will be deployed in various parts of the emirate to regulate traffic and monitor the roads 24 hours during Ramadan to maintain the safety of road users before Zuhoor and Iftar. Most of the accidents occur due to speeding by motorists, who rush back home to reach on time for Iftar, he added.
Safety at mosques
Lt-Col Ahmad Saeed Al Nuaimi, director of criminal investigations department at the Ajman Police, said that the police are ready to secure main mosques in the emirate, especially at the time of Taraweeh prayers to prevent thefts and to provide a safe atmosphere for worshippers.
The police are also monitoring mosques and nearby areas to prevent begging.
They have also prepared plans that includes the formation of an investigative team to follow beggars and tighten control at the sites targeted by them, such as commercial areas, residential neighbourhoods, mosques and banks. "The Ajman Police have also increased its community and religious responsibility by organising religious lectures and charitable initiatives, in cooperation with entities and individuals to promote harmony and peace during the holy month," he added.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

Expert calls for safer roads
Road traffic accidents, injuries and fatalities peak in the holy month of Ramadan, a road safety expert has warned.
"It is sad to witness hundreds of accidents and dozens of fatalities every year. Ramadan is a very special time and it's all about being with the ones close to you. But this festive time also brings very unique challenges for all traffic participants, which creates a lot of traffic," said Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE,
Edelmann noted that based on their Ramadan accident surveys in 2017 and 2016, motorists above 40 years of age and male motorists are more accident-prone. The peak accident timings are around the mid morning rush-hour between 10-11am while Tuesdays are the most dangerous days and Sundays the least dangerous.
He added that Ramadan-specific lifestyle has physical effects on our body - especially this year, when Ramadan falls during summer. "Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn, can affect our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction. In addition to fasting, the often unusual and irregular meal timings and sleep patterns can cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction," Edelmann noted.
"Besides the mid-morning rush-hour, also the time just before sunset is problematic, because motorists tend to rush towards their Iftar appointments.
This pre-iftar rush hour is a mix of psychological urges and physical needs and motorists might use this as an excuse to misbehave on the roads. All traffic participants must be extra careful," he added.
angel@khaleejtimes.com