Prevent Ramadan car Accidents, Avoid Iftar Rush in Saudi

The number of deaths from road accidents has dropped by 51 percent, Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, reported last week. MOH Statistics and Indicators show deaths plunged from 28 per 100,00 people in previous years, to 13.5 per 100,000 people in 2020.

Whereas, road traffic injuries rates plummeted in Saudi Arabia by 34%. All of that can be attributed directly to the Saudi government’s efforts towards achieving traffic safety among the Kingdom’s 2030 vision. The government has paid great attention to achieving the efficiency of traffic control with optimal employment of technology, coupled with institutional work to ensure all drivers had appropriate cover.

“With the provision of maximum awareness and the best implementation of the systems, we will protect our society from human and material losses, while continuing to work on developing the traffic system in a way that achieves the safety and security of everyone,” prince Abdulaziz stressed on his Twitter account.

The holy month of Ramadan is all about bringing people together, highlighting community service, and encouraging moral and spiritual improvement. The time of Ramadan is here again, so let us seize the opportunity to make Saudi roads safer and adopt safe driving habits. 

Iftar Rush Leads to Road Accidents in Saudi

Ramadan is a time to be actively involved in acts of devotion, worship, and self-reflection. The moments before Maghrib prayer, are precious moments to feel the spirituality, worship Allah, and supplicate duaa that shouldn’t slip away unnoticed. However, just before Maghrib time is also a problematic time to be on the roads; Iftar rush leads to grievous road accidents caused by reckless driving habits.

Accidents statstics

Statistics by the General Directorate of Traffic revealed that compared to the rest of the year, the number of traffic accidents peaks during the holy month of Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

According to Saudi Insurance providers reports, the majority of accidents in Saudi roads are taking place during Iftar rush traffic.

According to the data for the year 1440 AH corresponding to 2019, the month of Ramadan had the highest number of deaths, for a total of 550 constituting 14.2 percent of all road accidents death. In turn, 2903 injuries were registered in Ramadan constituting 13.4 percent of all road accidents injuries. Furthermore, Riyadh region handled the most casualties on the road during Ramadan comprising 27 percent of accidents in the Kingdom.

How Can We Prevent Accidents in Ramadan?

Many noted that most Ramadan accidents occurred before Maghrib prayer when the sun sets and blamed Iftar rush on:

• Drivers rushing to Iftar gatherings with family and friends.
• Drivers who randomly park their cars around mosques, commercial avenues, and shopping complexes which could result in impeding traffic.
• Also, Ramadan lifestyle which includes unusual and irregular meal timings and sleep patterns are believed to make fasting drivers to feel fatigue and disorientation, which results in accident peaks.

As the holy month begins, wakeel urges all fasting drivers to adhere to Saudi traffic department guidelines and regulations. We encourage everyone to stay off the roads before the sun goes down, if they can avoid it. Instead spend this time home: worshipping, gathering with family, and catching up with the latest Ramadan series on TV.

Driving before Iftar tips

wakeel also provides a guide advising you on how to navigate the roads safely when driving during Iftar rush is a must:

• Avoid speeding; in fact, speeding is a factor in fatal road traffic injuries. – better safe than sorry.
• Make sure to fasten your seat belt – Ramadan is a good time to finally start this habit!
• Don’t make a habit of last-minute shopping in Ramadan. 
• Refrain from using your phone behind the wheel –it surely can wait.
• Get enough rest before turning your engine on.
• Don’t jump any red lights and comply with road signs

Sometimes, you can do your best to drive responsibly, yet accidents are inescapable and there is little you can do about it. Thus, it’s a good idea to get familiar with what to do after a car accident in Saudi and cover your car. wakeel can help find plans that fit your needs and compare insurance rates in Saudi Arabia. We wish everyone Ramdan Kareem and safe traveling.

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