Maldives Police Service (MPS) has warned that the number of road accidents during the month of Ramadan is higher than during the previous fasting months.
Speaking to PSM News, Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Faseeh said that accidents tend to occur during the busiest times when offices open or during the afternoons and evenings. He said many accidents occur due to carelessness when drivers do not keep appropriate distance from each other or when they are unable to control their speed while attempting to make turns.
Additionally, Sub-Inspector Ibrahim Zahir said that pedestrians should be cautious when crossing roads and refrain from jaywalking. He said that pedestrians should also wait at a crosswalk before using it to allow vehicles to slow down.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) launched a road safety campaign and implemented changes to the traffic flow in Male’ City for the month of Ramadan. As such, four-wheeled vehicles are banned from entering some roads leading to the local market area and mosques in Male’ City five minutes before the beginning of prayers. The decision was made to reduce congestion in the areas as the number of shoppers and prayer goers tend to increase during Ramadan.
Furthermore, MPS is conducting special operations to reduce traffic congestion near the Sinamale' Bridge and the Male’-Hulhumale’ link road as well as reduce offences during Ramadan. Police Officers are also active at the local market to stop illegal parking and in other areas with high foot traffic such as schools and popular shopping areas. In addition, 24-hour traffic operations are being conducted near the Sinamale’ Bridge to stop speeding and other offences.