Survey Highlights:

• Claims / Accidents peak in the mid-morning rush-hours
• Older motorists and male motorists must take extra caution
• 5 vital Ramadan road safety ‘Tips & Tricks’

QIC Insured, QIC’s personal insurance division collaborated with RoadSafetyUAE to analyze last year’s reported accidents and claims data to create awareness and promote a culture of safe driving during the holy month of Ramadan. During this month there are unique traffic challenges as the festive period sets expectations for all traffic participants to be with family and friends especially before sunset which often leads to traffic, road rage and high frequency of accidents. The pre-iftar rush hour is very critical for all traffic participants to be extra vigilant.

The holy month of Ramadan will start in June, coinciding once again with the hot summer weather which will effect physically and psychologically. Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn can limit our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction while driving. In addition to fasting, the unusual eating and sleeping patterns can also cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction.

Highlights of the survey:

Accidents by time of the day: As many of us start working late, we see the majority of claims / accidents happening in the late-morning office rush hours.

Accidents during Ramadan weeks and week days: The claims / accidents are very evenly spread over the four weeks of Ramadan, with values of 23-24% for each week. The most dangerous weekdays are Wednesdays and least dangerous are Sundays.

Socio demographic data: Older traffic participants (40+) are over-proportionally more involved in traffic accidents than younger motorists. Males are significantly more accident prone than females.

Salem Al Mannai, Deputy Group President & CEO of QIC MENA region states: “Based on our survey, we want to highlight three main findings- 1) older motorists (40+) must take extra caution while driving; 2) all traffic participants must mind the morning rush-hours and plan their trip much ahead in time 3) male motorists need to pay extra attention towards their driving attitude.”

He further adds: “As a responsible corporate citizen, QIC Insured strives to create awareness and promote a culture of safe driving especially during Ramadan” and continues… “We encourage all traffic participants to follow five easy Tips & Tricks to ensure that they drive cautious and reach home safe and sound.”

5 vital ‘Tips & Tricks’ for safe driving during Ramadan:

1. Be aware of your own limitations!
2. Watch out for other traffic participants potentially under the same limitations.
3. Expect the unexpected – we all MUST drive cautiously!
4. Plan your schedule properly and leave early to avoid the need of rushing and speeding.
5. Always wear your seat belt –The holy month of Ramadan is a good time to start this habit!”

Arabic