DUBAI // Police in Dubai recorded 166 traffic incidents during Ramadan last year, down from 190 in 2012.
Col Saif Al Mazrouei, director of Dubai Police’s traffic department, said the most dangerous time was between 4pm and 7pm, as people rushed to get to wherever they would break their fast.
Col Al Mazrouei said he would increase police patrols in the holy month to try to prevent incidents.
“The top cause of accidents in Ramadan remains crashing into a vehicle from behind,” he said.
He said 15 people died in crashes during Ramadan last year in Dubai, up from 11 the year before.
But thanks to increased efforts to raise awareness of speeding, only one person was killed last year during the “Ramadan rush hour”, three fewer than in 2012.
Col Al Mazrouei said there were 28 accidents last year between 4pm and 7pm, a decrease from 40 the year before.
These led to 27 people being injured, down from 43 in 2012.
Col Al Mazrouei said police recorded 48,903 traffic offences during Ramadan last year, an increase from 38,448 in 2012.
“There will be no leniency when it comes to violations during Ramadan,” he said. “A violation remains a violation, and there are no instructions otherwise.
“Even those who are parked near or around mosques need to make sure that they are parked in a way that is not blocking traffic or blocking other vehicles, or else the cars will be towed away.
“People cannot use the excuse of prayer to violate laws.”
He also said his department would be distributing about 1,200 iftar meals a day in Bur Dubai and Deira as part of their effort to reduce traffic accidents.
“We are launching the yearly campaign ‘Don’t Let your Driving Harm your Fast’, so that people can drive safely in Ramadan,” he said.
“We advise people to avoid going out during the few hours before iftar unless they really need to do so, because this window before iftar can be very dangerous.”
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
