Ramadan

Article updated 16-Feb-2026

During the holy month of Ramadan, it is sad to witness hundreds of accidents and dozens of fatalities every year. Ramadan is a very special time and it’s all about being with the ones close to you, which creates a lot of traffic! This festive time also brings very unique  challenges for all traffic participants.

Al Wathba Insurance, one of the largest UAE auto insurers and one of our CSR-Partners teamed up with RoadSafetyUAE to analyze their 2025 Ramadan motor insurance claims data (1st to 29st March 2025) to come up with meaningful insights aimed at raising awareness and protecting UAE road users.

• 2,771 claims data analyzed from last year’s Ramadan period (2025)
• Peak accident day times are 12noon to 6pm, followed by 6pm to midnight
• 2pm-4pm is the most accident-prone 2 hours period
• Mondays and Thursdays show highest rate of accidents
• Drivers aged 36-40 are most at risk
• 65% third party at fault, 35% own fault

The Ramadan specific lifestyle has physical effects on our body – especially if Ramadan coincides with the hot weather. Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which in turn can affect our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction. In addition to fasting, the often unusual and irregular meal timings and sleep patterns can cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction, which is reflected in early morning accident peaks.

Just before sunset is also a problematic time to be on the roads, because motorists tend to rush towards their Iftar appointments. This pre-iftar rush hour is a mix of psychological urges and physical needs and motorists might use this as an excuse to misbehave on the roads. Hence, all traffic participants (motorists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists, etc.) must be extra careful in this time, too!

How to do it right :

• Be aware of your own potential limitations!
• Watch out for other traffic participants potentially under the same effects.
• Expect the unexpected – we all MUST drive defensively!
• Plan for possible delays and add a time buffer!
• Always wear your seat belt – Ramadan is a good time to finally start this habit!

• When you are male and 40+, be extra careful!
• Watch out in the  pre-Iftar and morning rush-hours!
• Motorists should try to anticipate sudden movements by others, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
• Keep a sufficient distance between their vehicle and don’t tailgate.
• Plan  your schedules properly and leave early to avoid the need of rushing and speeding.
• You can run a little bit late  – people will understand.
• Stay off the roads at sundown, if you can avoid it.
• Use your lights during dusk, before Iftar
• Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep.
• Pull over immediately when you becoming drowsy.
• Use public transport or taxis.

 How to do it right  – as non-fasting driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist,  passenger, etc.

• Be considerate and generous to other traffic participants who might fast!
• ALL traffic participants – fasting and non-fasting – must be extra careful during Ramadan!
• Especially, ‘weaker’ traffic participants (pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist) must watch out for potentially irrational behavior of other traffic participants!
• Apply the same defensive driving approach like fasting traffic participants.
• Be very careful in the peak accident morning rush hours!
• Try to stay off the roads just before Iftar!