JEDDAH: Chances of accidents in Ramadan generally increase toward the late hours when traffic congestion thickens and drivers get tense and not well-focused.
Mousa Al-Shahrani said people’s bad planning causes traffic congestion and accidents, in addition to the hectic schedules of the police and traffic patrols during iftar times.
He said that people should plan their outings to the market, thus going early instead of doing shopping till the last minute. This way they can avoid peak hours which are usually just before iftar. He said some drivers are reckless and run red lights causing many accidents.
Jabir Al-Bishri, from Khameis Msheit, said some drivers leave their homes minutes before Maghreb prayer, wanting to have iftar with their families. This causes road congestion and results in traffic accidents.
Mohamad Al-Ghamidi said those minutes before iftar should be spiritual and people should spend them in serenity and in a quiet atmosphere, away from tension and traffic congestion, which can cause accidents and fights.
Director of Asir Traffic Col. Abdullah bin Howeiz, said traffic accidents increase before Iftar during the holy month since many people are in a hurry.
He said his directorate is implementing a traffic plan that intensifies traffic patrols in markets and Ramadan kiosks to ease congestion and organize traffic movement, reported Alwatan.
Most accidents happen before iftar
Most accidents happen before iftar
