Why there is need for extra care on the road in Ramadhan

By Allan Rogers Kibaya

All over the world, Muslims are currently observing the Holy Month of Ramadhan. This year, Ramadan began in mid-June and it is ending this week. During this period, fasting takes place between dawn and dusk.

Statistically, the month of Ramadhan sees an increase in road accidents and yet it is a special time of the year for Muslim families. It is a time for exchanging good will and engage with the family and the community to socialise especially in the evenings when breaking the fast.

Fatigue increases during Ramadan due to change in meal and rest patterns or due to dehydration.

This affects our driving and that of other road users particularly in the fast. The signs of fatigue usually include; loss of concentration and lack of active notice of persons or objects by the road side, feelings of tiredness, a need to stretch, yawning, heavy eyes, boredom; day-dreaming and floating away in thoughts unrelated to your driving task; Going too slow, not noticing on coming or overtaking vehicles and drifting off your lane.

These symptoms are even more common among truck drivers and public transport drivers who have to do long distances daily.

In some countries, the authorities give guidelines for safe driving during Ramadan, run road safety campaigns and intensify patrols to curb the likelihood of accidents. Working hours are also changed for some to allow for the avoidance of the rush hour.

To proactively manage fatigue during this period, at any time if you are driving and feel fatigue, stop, park safely and inform any people to whom you have obligations to allow you to rest for a while.

Be more observant on the road keeping in mind that other drivers may be overcome by fatigue. Be ready to sound your horn, slow down or to safely pull to the side, if other drivers invade your lane.

It is also imperative to plan your journey, avoid congested routes or peak times and be polite / courteous to other drivers. Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunshine or hot conditions as this could increase your dehydration rate.

Because we all have work obligations even during this period, discuss with your supervisor or manager what you could specifically do to proactively manage fatigue in the month of Ramadan and make full use of the rest-time that is available to you.

You will not be helped by rubbing your face and hurrying up whatever you are doing, Playing loud music or conversing with passengers you are driving, by insisting on concentrating mentally and “being seriously” focused on the road,  opening the window so that a cool breeze “refreshes” your face as most people believe. Only rest can relieve fatigue.

Safe driving demands alertness, patience, courtesy, politeness, tolerance, kindness and willingness to give up your right of way for the greater good and safety of other road users. Wishing your fellow road users well and seeing to it that no harmful incidents happen to them brings satisfaction to us as good drivers. In this spirit, we should show that we excel at safe road use during the holy month.

The writer is a health and safety manager at Vivo Energy Uganda.