Ramadan in the UAE always feels special. The city is changing pace gradually, almost imperceptibly. In the morning, the roads may seem freer than usual. But towards evening, everything changes dramatically. The traffic thickens, the tension increases, and the usual route suddenly turns into a test of endurance. During this period, driving stops being a chore. It requires attention, patience and thoughtfulness.
Fatigue, Fasting, And Real Concentration
During fasting, the body works differently. Energy levels decrease, slight weakness appears, and by the middle of the day, noticeable fatigue may be felt. Dehydration affects the clarity of thinking. A decrease in blood sugar levels affects the reaction rate. Even a confident driver may feel that he is making decisions slower than usual.
Late prayers and early meals change sleep patterns. The lack of rest is gradually accumulating. A person may not notice drowsiness right away. But even a little absent-mindedness makes a difference when driving. It is recommended to sleep at least seven hours whenever possible. Outside of the time of fasting, it is useful to maintain the water balance at the level of one and a half to two liters of water per day.
Statistics confirm the increased risks. About thirty-five percent of accidents occur from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is the pre-shift period when tension reaches its peak. Another twenty-one percent of accidents are recorded from 09:00 to 12:00. More than half of the accidents are caused by a third party. In thirty-six percent of cases, responsibility is distributed among the participants. The most vulnerable age group is drivers between thirty and thirty-nine years old. This is followed by forty– to forty-nine-year-old motorists.
Rush Hours, Restrictions, And Heavy Traffic
The usual rush hours in Dubai are at 8:00-10:00 and 17:00-20:00. During Ramadan, the load shifts and increases. Sixty to ninety minutes before the Maghreb, a dense stream forms. Many people strive to get home in time for iftar. There is a rush, and the number of sudden changes increases.
Traffic restrictions have an additional impact. There are bans for freight transport from 7:00 to 23:00 on certain highways. The intervals of 7:30-9:30 and 14:00-16:00 are also provided. On one of the roads, the restriction is set from 16:30 to 19:00. These rules must be considered in advance.
The toll road system also influences planning. The fare is 6 dirhams from 9:00 to 17:00. In other periods, from 7:00 to 9:00 and from 17:00 to 02:00, the fare is 4 dirhams. There is no charge from 02:00 to 07:00. Proper route planning helps to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
Calm Driving And Smart Decisions
Careful driving style is especially important during such weeks. Keeping a distance reduces the likelihood of collisions. Avoiding sudden maneuvers makes the flow more predictable. The use of a seat belt should always be mandatory. If drowsiness appears, it is better to stop by the side of the road and take a break.
Some drivers prefer to delegate car control, especially those who rely on a monthly chauffeur service Dubai during demanding schedules. Professional drivers help to avoid stress during busy hours. They take into account the current traffic situation and set additional time in advance. This is especially important when traveling to the airport or for business meetings. It is better to book such services one or two hours before Iftar and during the same period after evening prayers.
Ramadan is a month of patience and inner discipline. These qualities are especially important on the road. Calmness, attentiveness and respect for other road users make trips safer. When the driver retains control over himself, even dense traffic ceases to seem chaotic. It is awareness that becomes the main factor of safety during this period.
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