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Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

Dubai: The driving habits of some motorists can be questionable, at the best of times. 

To prevent accidents on UAE roads, the Ministry of Interior has clamped down on reckless motorists by enforcing hefty fines and penalties against drivers who cut lanes without using their indicators. 

To curb the number of accidents caused by sudden swerving, police launched an educational video clip to raise awareness on how to enter lanes. 

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The video also goes on to show exactly what police mean when they refer to ‘sudden deviation’ on the UAE’s roads.

Police across the UAE are also warning motorists on traffic rules and the associated fines for violating them, and most recently, Ajman Police took to social media to promote its safety campaign.      

“The Ramadan specific lifestyle has physical effects on our body, especially this year when Ramadan will coincide with the hot summer weather,” said Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE.

Motorists who fast can end up with dehydration and low blood sugar by the end of the day, which in turn can affect their level of attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction.

“Just before sunset is also a problematic time to be on the roads 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,” added Edelmann.

How to drive carefully during Ramadan

Top 10 tips on driving safe

  1. Watch out for the morning rush-hour.
  2. Motorists should try to anticipate sudden movements by others, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
  3. Approach traffic signals carefully at iftar time.
  4. Keep a sufficient distance between their vehicle and do not tailgate.
  5. Plan your schedules properly and leave early to avoid the need of rushing and speeding.
  6. Around sunset prior to iftar, be cautious
  7. Stay off the roads at sundown, if you can avoid it.
  8. Use your lights during dusk, before iftar
  9. Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep.
  10. Pull over immediately when you becoming drowsy.

Source: Road Safety UAE