Staying Safe Behind the Wheel: A Guide to Driving During Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, discipline, and devotion. For millions of Muslims, the daily fast from dawn to sunset offers an opportunity for personal growth and connection with faith. However, fasting—especially during long, hot days—can present unique challenges for safe driving.

Research published in BMC Public Health (2025) and the Journal of Development Economics (2024) suggests that fasting may increase the risk of traffic accidents, with some studies indicating a 25% higher probability of crashes during fasting hours compared to non-fasting periods. Factors such as low blood sugar, dehydration, fatigue, and slower reaction times all contribute to this risk—but with awareness and planning, it can be managed.

This guide aims to help you recognize these risks and take practical steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

How Fasting Affects Driving Ability

Understanding the physical effects of fasting is the first step toward safer driving. During fasting hours, your body undergoes several changes that can impact performance behind the wheel:

• Reduced alertness and slower reaction times: Dropping blood sugar levels provides less glucose to the brain, slowing cognitive processing and reactions to road hazards.
• Dehydration: Lack of fluids can cause headaches, dizziness, reduced concentration, and impaired vision—even mild dehydration affects mental clarity.
• Fatigue and drowsiness: Altered sleep patterns during Ramadan, including late-night Tarawih prayers and early suhoor, can accumulate into sleep debt. Drowsy driving is a major risk factor for accidents.
• Increased irritability: Hunger and low energy can shorten patience and heighten frustration, contributing to aggressive driving, especially in traffic.
• Nicotine withdrawal: Smokers abstaining during fasting hours may experience additional concentration and reaction time challenges.

High-Risk Times for Driving

Traffic data consistently highlights certain periods during Ramadan as higher risk:

• Late afternoon (2–5 p.m.): Blood sugar and hydration levels are at their lowest, and some drivers rush home for iftar, increasing speeding and risky maneuvers.
• Early morning rush (8–10 a.m.): Accumulated sleep debt can make morning driving hazardous.
• Just before sunset: The urgency to break the fast and reach iftar on time may compromise road safety.

Whenever possible, plan your trips to avoid these windows.

Practical Safety Tips for Fasting Drivers

Simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of accidents:

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 6–7 hours of total sleep within 24 hours, even if split between night and an afternoon nap.
• Eat a nourishing suhoor: Include complex carbohydrates (oats, whole grains), protein (eggs, yogurt, cheese), and hydrating fruits and vegetables. Avoid very salty foods that increase thirst.
• Hydrate during non-fasting hours: Drink 8–10 glasses of water between iftar and suhoor.
• Plan trips wisely: Avoid unnecessary travel during late afternoon. If driving is unavoidable, leave early to prevent rushing.
• Recognize warning signs: Watch for excessive yawning, poor concentration, drowsiness, slow reflexes, eyestrain, and lane drifting. Pull over immediately if these occur.
• Consider alternatives: Use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing if too fatigued. Ask a family member or colleague to drive if possible.
• Keep emergency supplies: Water, dates, and a light snack in the car can help if caught in traffic at iftar.

Special Considerations for Drivers with Diabetes

Drivers with diabetes should take extra precautions, as fasting increases the risk of hypoglycemia, which can impair driving. The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends that drivers with diabetes:

• Keep hypoglycemic medications and fast-acting glucose (tablets or candy) in the car at all time
• Check blood sugar levels before driving and during long trips
• Avoid long trips and limit driving during fasting hours when possible
• Recognize the warning signs of hypoglycemia (hunger, sweating, shakiness, feeling faint)

If symptoms occur, pull over, turn off the engine, treat the hypoglycemia, and wait at least 45 minutes after blood sugar returns to normal before resuming driving.

Defensive Driving During Ramadan

Remember that other drivers on the road may also be fasting and experiencing similar challenges. Practice extra patience and defensive driving throughout the month.

• Maintain a greater following distance.
• Drive at moderate speeds.
• Be patient with other drivers.
• Use headlights at dawn and dusk.
• Avoid distractions.

When to Consult Your Physician

Speak with your doctor before Ramadan if you have any health conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely while fasting. This includes:

• Diabetes (especially if on insulin or medications that can cause low blood sugar)
• Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia
• Cardiovascular conditions that cause dizziness or fatigue
• Any condition requiring medications that affect alertness
• A history of fainting or seizures

Your healthcare provider can help you develop a plan to manage your condition safely during Ramadan and advise whether driving during fasting hours is appropriate for your situation.

For guidance on managing health conditions that may affect driving safety during Ramadan, please consult your Primary Care physician at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. In case of a medical emergency, visit the JHAH Emergency Department, available 24/7.