Dubai Police are warning drivers to be more careful on the roads in Ramadan, after 3,605 traffic accidents were reported in the first 10 days of the holy month, UAE daily The National reported on Monday.
“Driving at a high speed and recklessly, especially before iftar, coupled with no lane discipline and not keeping a safe distance” contributed to the rise in accidents, according to Brig Omar Al Shamsi, the director of the command and control centre at Dubai Police.
“I urge drivers to avoid bad behaviour and to be cautious, especially when driving through traffic junctions,” Brig Al Shamsi told The National.
[Related: How to stay safe on the roads in Ramadan]
The rise in traffic accidents during the fasting month is typical, Al Shamsi said.
“Muslims should enjoy this Holy Month and avoid annoying other people. They should adhere to traffic rules and road courtesy,” he added.
Three people have been killed and several more were injured due to accidents in the Emirates since Thursday, according to the report.
In 2011, 14 people died on Dubai roads in Ramadan, compared to just four in the previous month, The National added.
[Related: How to avoid burnout in Ramadan]