Fasting means greater safety challenges for lorry drivers
Heat, tiredness and poor concentration are big dangers
DUBAI // The long, hot days of Ramadan bring more challenges for lorry drivers but every effort should be made to avoid catastrophic accidents, an academic warns.
High temperatures can cause fatigue and exhaustion, which could reduce a driver’s concentration, vigilance and alertness and increase the risk of a crash.
Drivers should be more prudent during Ramadan, said Dr Daniel Albuquerque, assistant professor of transport engineering at UAE University. “Tailgating and speeding should be rigorously avoided, as drivers’ reaction time may be slower than what it would be if drivers were not fasting,” he said.
“Ultimately, they need to keep in mind that driving is a mentally demanding activity.” Bangladeshi Mohammed Abdul Kalam, who has been driving a tanker lorry for 16 years, said he makes sure to get enough rest to drive safely during his shift.
“I get up at 3am for suhoor and then perform my morning prayers,” said the 56-year-old father of three.
“I try to get rest for an hour before reporting for duty at 6am. I finish duty very early to avoid traffic peak hours and fatigue.”
Drivers and transport companies are both faced with the challenge of driving safely on roads during this holy month, said Mohammed Akber, general manager for health and safety at Tristar, a logistics company. “The pressure to complete the job within reduced working hours, traffic rush before iftar, road rage, traffic jams, especially during the last 10 days, puts additional stress on drivers, which often leads to accidents,” Mr Akber said. Mr Abdul Kalam and his colleagues have flexible working hours during Ramadan.
“It is very difficult to drive during this time but we are well trained to overcome this situation,” he said. “I make sure to rest for 15 minutes after driving for two hours, or take half-hour breaks after four hours of driving.”
Mr Akber said Tristar advised staff to take rest and if they felt tired or un well to stop and inform their supervisor. “Our journey management team will be vigilant at keeping track of working hours and driving hours during Ramadan.”