The Maldives Police Service has issued a warning that the occurrence of road accidents during Ramadan is higher compared to previous fasting months. According to Chief Inspector of Police Ahmed Faseeh, accidents mostly happen during peak hours when offices open and in the afternoons or evenings. He attributed the cause of many accidents to recklessness, such as drivers failing to maintain proper distance from each other or losing control of their speed while turning.
Meanwhile, Sub-Inspector Ibrahim Zahir advised pedestrians to exercise caution when crossing roads, avoid jaywalking, and wait at crosswalks to give way to vehicles. To promote road safety during Ramadan, Police launched a campaign and implemented changes in traffic flow in Male’ City. For instance, some roads leading to the local market and mosques are closed to four-wheeled vehicles five minutes before the start of prayers to ease congestion during peak hours.
Moreover, Police is conducting special operations to ease traffic congestion around the Sinamale’ Bridge and Male’-Hulhumale’ link road, as well as prevent traffic offenses during Ramadan. Police officers are deployed in high-foot traffic areas like schools and popular shopping spots to prevent illegal parking and other traffic violations. Additionally, 24-hour traffic operations are being carried out near the Sinamale’ Bridge to curb speeding and other traffic violations.
