2,620 road accidents recorded since start of Ramadan

AMMAN — A total of 2,620 road accidents have taken place in Jordan since the start of Ramadan, 284 more than in the same period of 2014, an official source said Monday.

Speeding, reckless driving, congestion, wrongful overtaking and tailgating are the main reasons behind accidents this month, according to Maj. Jalal Rahahleh, director of public relations at the Central Traffic Department.

“Although the number of accidents this Ramadan is higher than the previous one, fatalities and injuries are fewer this year,” he told The Jordan Times.

Accidents during the fasting month usually take place in the hours leading up to sunset as motorists exceed the speed limit to reach their homes in time for iftar, when Muslims break their day-long fast.

The number of deaths as a result of traffic accidents during the first two weeks of Ramadan was 52.6 per cent less than the same weeks of Ramadan in 2014, Rahahleh noted.

Injuries, both minor and major, also recorded a 12.5 per cent decline during the same comparative period.

This year’s Ramadan is also witnessing a decline in other incidents such as fires and sunstrokes, according to Civil Defence Department (CDD) Media Director Brig. Gen. Farid Sharaa, who cited public awareness as the reason.

He highlighted the “precautionary” culture the CDD was promoting ahead of Ramadan, like calling on Jordanians to ensure they are well-hydrated and eat a balanced iftar meal to avoid dyspepsia (over-eating).

The CDD also urged motorists to avoid negative behaviour that could lead to traffic accidents during the fasting month, such as controlling their temper on the road and driving slowly.

In addition, the department has been raising public awareness on the need to adopt safety measures at home, like checking gas cylinder hoses to prevent leaks.

“All these pieces of advice have proven effective in the last few years,” Sharaa told The Jordan Times.