Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has sent several awareness messages to pedestrians, motorists, and novice drivers on the occasion of Ramadan. And now, RTA has made yet another major announcement. As per the recent update from the RTA, Dubai’s Al Maktoum Bridge will be closed during the holy month. The bridge will remain inaccessible for six days a week, from Mondays to Saturdays, starting 30 March. The new closure will remain in place throughout Ramadan.
According to the authority the route will be closed from 1:00am to 6:00am from Mondays to Saturdays. Motorists are urged use alternative routes to reach their destinations easily.
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Alternative routes:
- Al Garhoud Bridge
- Business Bay Bridge
- Al Shindagha Tunnel
- The Infinity Bridge
Besides, the Dubai RTA has also kicked off a Ramadan initiative along with the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai. The campaign aims to promote road safety concepts during Ramadan. As part of the campaign, pedestrians were urged to cross streets at designated places. Motorists were educated about the risks of driving while fatigued, exhausted, or drowsy, especially during Ramadan when some motorists experience a drop in concentration levels due to changes in eating and sleeping habits.
Maitha bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads at RTA, said: “The Agency urged the private sector to include messages in Iftar meals distributed to drivers to educate them about the dangers of driving while feeling tired or drowsy. The variation of sleeping and duty timings during Ramadan tends to impact the attention of fasting motorists, which requires more caution and attention from drivers”.
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She further added that most traffic accidents that occur during Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving a safe distance between vehicles. Drivers are advised to leave a sufficient distance between vehicles and switch on air-conditioners while driving, as hot conditions give rise to the feeling of exhaustion. The driver must maintain an upright position while seated and keep their head raised while driving.
Motorists are recommended to take sufficient rest before sitting behind the wheel and stop driving once they feel very tired, drowsy, or start yawning. Relaxing and resting for a short period may help the driver complete the journey safely. Once drivers hear the call for Maghreb prayer while driving, they should stop to have a light Iftar, even if it’s just a glass of water and a few dates, before resuming the journey, she concluded.
Tips for drivers during ramadan
1. Avoid driving after having a heavy meal, especially after fasting.
2. Be patient when driving during Ramadan and leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
3. Expect congestion and allow more time to reach your destination to avoid potential stress while driving.
4. Avoid arguing with motorists who flout traffic rules, and stay in your lane.
5. Be aware that sleeping inside a vehicle with all windows closed and the A/C switched on in enclosed areas can cause suffocation and death within less than an hour.
6. If you tend to be stressed during fasting, consider leaving your vehicle and using public transport to reach your destination safely.
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