Drivers in Oman advised caution as data shows June-July spike in accidents

Muscat: With a little over two months to go until the start of Ramadan, drivers must be wary while driving on Oman’s highway where data from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) indicated that most fatalities occur during the Holy month in 2014 and 2015.
According to ROP’s statistics, a total of 1,257 accidents took place between June and July 2015 leaving a total of 751 injured and 117 dead; reflecting an increase of 139 accidents, compared with the same period in 2014. However, during June and July 2014, the number of injuries was significantly more than in 2015, where 838 were injured, while 141 died.
Ramadan falls during both these months and since it is a month of fasting, many people drive back home after work feeling fatigued, dehydrated and speed to get back to their families for iftar, which are the most likely causes for accidents.
“Driving during any month of the year requires the full and focused attention of all drivers and this ability to focus is severely reduced when a driver is observing the fast during Ramadan,” said safety expert Mark Pudwell.
“Fatigue, low blood sugar and reduced fluid mineral levels impact hugely upon a fasting driver’s ability to focus and react appropriately to the traffic environment; an additional threat to driver and passenger safety is the speed at which a vehicle is being driven; often due to trying to get home to family and friends in time for Iftar. This is the time when many tragic incidents occur,” he added.
According to a 2015 study by Professor Ron Maughan from the Loughborough University, driving while dehydrated has the same effect on road safety as drunk driving, reported The Telegraph.
“There is no question that driving while incapable because of drink or drugs increases the risk of accidents, but our findings highlight an unrecognised danger and suggest that drivers should be encouraged to make sure they are properly hydrated,” said Maughan.
“In other words, drivers who are not properly hydrated make the same number of errors as people who have drunk over the driving limit,” he added.
The Times of Oman spoke to the ROP during the GCC Traffic Week and an officer said that there usually is an increase in police patrolling during Ramadan.
Speaking words of advice ahead of the upcoming the Holy Month, Pudwell said, “Fasting drivers should try to reduce the amount of driving they undertake by planning their work day with clients and customers around their reduced working hours. Those people who need to make longer journeys home should plan their journey leaving more time for travel and reduce the need for excessive speed.”
“Companies could also consider staggered working hours to reduce the numbers of drivers on the road at any given time thus mitigating the potential for heavy traffic and road traffic incidents,” added the safety expert.