During the month of Ramadan, drivers are more prone to many behaviors, especially before Iftar “Breakfasting”, so many of them drive too fast to get home in time before Iftar. Also, those who are fasting may suffer from temporary low blood glucose levels and dehydration, which sometimes leads to feeling unwell or dizzy, in addition to low levels of concentration. All these factors call for more caution while driving and traveling during Ramadan.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others during the Holy Month, be aware of stress and know signs of stress and tiredness while driving:
- Excessive yawning.
- Poor concentration.
- Eyestrain and feeling sleepy.
- Slow reflexes.
When you have any of the above symptoms while driving, you must stop immediately and take a break to renew your activity
For safe driving in Ramadan, make sure to:
- Getting some rest before driving, as inadequate sleep accumulated over several days affects the ability to concentrate, which affects the ability to make the right decision in dangerous driving situations.
- Making a routine and regular consistent bedtime every day, doing regular exercise, and eating healthy meals at a fixed time.
- Staying away from the roads at sunset, avoiding it, if possible, to prevent crowds at this time.
- Avoiding peak hours to stay away from stress.
- Using car headlights during dawn for clearer vision.
- Before going out on the road at night, be sure that headlights, taillights, and signal lights are clean and working properly.
- Cleaning car windows to remove dust may weaken the ability to see clearly.
- Adhering to all traffic signs, rules, and regulations, and be careful towards other drivers on the road.
- Slowing down and complying with the speed limits on the road.
- Taking extra time to reach the destination on schedule.
- Maintaining air conditioning in the car; to stay alert.
- Using alternative transportation services when feeling tired (e.g. taxis, buses, trains, etc.).
Safe driving for diabetics in Ramadan:- Avoid all unnecessary trips during Ramadan.
- Avoid long trips, early morning driving, driving within two hours before sunset, and in bad weather.
- Taking breaks on long trips (if you must drive long ones).
- Always keep hypoglycemic medications in the car (even when you are fasting, taking into account the proper storage of the Glucagon Injection Kit).
- Not ignoring the warning signs of hypoglycemia (e.g. hunger, sweating, feeling faint).
- If you feel hypoglycemia, stop the car as soon as possible, turn off the engine, remove the keys, and get out of the driver's seat, then eat some fast-acting carbohydrates (such as glucose tablets or candy), some slow-release carbohydrates, and do not start driving up to 45 minutes after your blood glucose returns to normal.