Muscat – As Ramadan progresses, a worrying pattern once again emerges on Oman’s roads: a noticeable rise in speeding and reckless driving in the minutes leading up to iftar. As the time for breaking the fast approaches, some motorists accelerate aggressively, change lanes abruptly or ignore traffic regulations in a rush to reach home for […]
Muscat – As Ramadan progresses, a worrying pattern once again emerges on Oman’s roads: a noticeable rise in speeding and reckless driving in the minutes leading up to iftar.
As the time for breaking the fast approaches, some motorists accelerate aggressively, change lanes abruptly or ignore traffic regulations in a rush to reach home for iftar – as though a few saved minutes justify risking lives and property.
Muscat Daily spoke with a road safety expert about the phenomenon, which has contributed to avoidable accidents in previous years.
Rashid bin Faqir Al Balushi, former Middle East Rally Safety Officer, said the behaviour is observed annually during Ramadan, particularly shortly before sunset.
“Time pressure and psychological strain play a significant role in driver behaviour,” Al Balushi said. “Fasting, fatigue and hunger, coupled with the desire to arrive home quickly, can affect concentration and decision-making. However, these factors can never justify breaching traffic safety regulations.”
He stressed that excessive speeding and reckless manoeuvres before iftar endanger not only the driver but all road users, including families, children and pedestrians. The situation is further compounded by heavier traffic volumes at that time of day, significantly increasing the likelihood of collisions.
“Road safety is not simply about obeying the law; it is a culture and a shared responsibility,” he said. “Arriving a few minutes late for iftar is far less serious than causing an accident that may have lasting consequences for innocent people. Ramadan is a month of patience and tranquility, and that spirit should be reflected in our conduct on the road.”
Al Balushi urged motorists to plan their journeys more carefully and allow sufficient time before iftar. “The message is clear: discipline and calmness can save lives.”
Meanwhile, Royal Oman Police has released an awareness video titled ‘Take Care and Be Aware’, reinforcing the importance of road safety during the holy month.
In the video, ROP reminds motorists of the ‘precious value of every human life’ and calls on drivers to prioritise safety at all times.
Among its key recommendations are ensuring adequate rest before setting out, as fatigue slows reaction times and increases the risk of accidents. ‘A well-rested driver is a safe driver,’ the message states.
It also warns against distractions such as texting or answering phone calls while driving, noting that even a brief lapse in attention can have fatal consequences.
The video further cautions against speeding and irresponsible driving before Iftar, emphasising that patience saves lives. Pedestrians are advised to use designated crossings and look both ways before crossing the road, even when in a hurry to reach home before sunset.
‘Road safety is a shared responsibility. Protect yourself and protect others,’ the ROP concluded.
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