Road safety officials are sounding alarms over the heightened risk of traffic accidents during the last hours of Ramadan's daily fast, with statistics showing increased incidents compared to other months. Dr. Nour El-Houda Nouira, head of the emergency department at Mongi Slim Hospital, revealed at a recent press conference hosted by the National Road Safety Observatory (ONSR) on February 28, 2025, the concerning trend during this sacred month. She noted, "Emergency services are reporting as high as 20% of severe accidents occurring during these final hours compared to other times of the year."
During Ramadan, vehicular mishaps are particularly frequent among young drivers under 36, painting a troubling picture of the potential social and economic fallout from such incidents. Dr. Nouira highlighted the predominance of motorcycle accidents, which comprise the majority of emergency ward cases, especially during the last two hours before iftar, the meal to break the fast. Alarmingly, data shows only 17% of riders involved in accidents were wearing helmets—signifying 83% were not, which amplifies injury severity.
The ONSR's Colonel Chamseddine Adouani provided additional insights, indicating 620 accidents were recorded from the start of the year until February 26, resulting in 156 fatalities and 814 injuries. While these figures reflect a decrease from the same period last year, where 914 accidents led to 171 deaths and 1,233 injuries, the positive trend masks a troubling increase of 25.16% in accident severity this year compared to 2024's statistics.
Adouani attributed this rise to poor driving behaviors, including risky maneuvers, the neglect of seat belt usage, and lax helmet adherence among motorcyclists. He noted, "We see repeated negligence, speeding, and lack of concentration as serious contributing factors, especially mounting stress as drivers rush home for iftar." He also shared concerns about last Ramadan's toll: 500 accidents left 102 dead and 664 injured across the country, alarming figures not seen for several years during the holy month.
This annual spike is not unique to Tunisia but resonates across various Muslim-majority regions where fasting alters drivers' physical and mental states, leading to increased recklessness. Experts warn drivers experience compromised decision-making, stemming from low blood sugar and the urgency to break their fast.
Dr. Nouira's call for driver education is echoed by many, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and responsible behaviors during Ramadan's final hours. She added, "Our communities must shift mindsets about the importance of road safety, especially during this time when families come together. Each life lost or impacted has rippling effects on society. We cannot afford such careless attitudes when young lives hang in the balance."
With Ramadan approaching once again, both the medical community and transportation authorities stress the necessity for campaigns aimed at creating awareness among drivers and enforcing stricter adherence to safety laws. They're hopeful these efforts will lead to fewer accidents and injuries, especially as families gather to celebrate the holy month.
Overall, it's clear the urgency for protective measures increases with the anticipated rise of holiday traffic. The focus remains on balancing traditional observances of family and faith with communal responsibility for road safety. Just as prayers and meals break the fast, attention to how we travel and behave on the roads can prevent tragedy.