Dubai: Police on Sunday revealed that during the first 15 days of Ramadan, five people were killed and seven others were injured in a spate of maritime and land accidents.

Lieutenant Colonel Juma Ahmad Butti Al Falasi, director of the Search and Rescue Department at Dubai Police, explained that rescue missions included cutting out traffic accident victims who got stuck in their vehicles, rescuing people who got lost in the desert, and rescuing people trapped in homes or elevators.

"The target response time is 12 minutes, but our teams' average is 7-8 minutes, as response speed is crucial in the incidents we attend to," said Lt. Col. Al Falasi.

"The Dubai Police’s land rescue department conducted 24,865 land rescue missions with response time of seven to eight minutes, in 2015," he added.

According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, about 182 accidents were recorded during Ramadan last year, resulting in 13 fatalities and 98 serious, medium and minor injuries.

Safe driving tips

1. Take sufficient amount of rest before driving. When you feel tired or drowsy, stop driving immediately and never continue driving unless your mind allows you to do so. Driving while feeling exhausted is like driving under the influence of drugs.

2. Ensure that the interior of the vehicle is air-conditioned as a hot interior makes you feel tired. Avoid reclining the seat more than needed, and try to keep your back straight and head up while driving.

3. When Maghreb prayer time sets in while driving, stop and take a light breakfast, even if it is just water and dates, before resuming your journey.

4. Always anticipate a sudden movement from the vehicle in front of you, especially cyclists and motorcyclists.

5. Most accidents that take place during Ramadan are attributed to the lack of leaving sufficient distance. Therefore, ensure that a safety distance is maintained between you and the vehicle in front.

Source: Roads and Transport Authority