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Updated: May 19, 2026
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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Sleep-related collisions in United Arab Emirates
Mohammed Al-Houqani1, Hani O Eid, Fikri M Abu-Zidan
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, United Arab Emirates. alhouqani@uaeu.ac.ae
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|August 28, 2012
Summary
Sleepiness significantly contributes to road traffic collisions (RTC) in the UAE. Drivers should avoid driving when drowsy, particularly during Ramadan and on highways, to prevent sleep-related collisions (SRC).
Area of Science:
- Traffic Safety
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Road traffic collisions (RTC) represent a significant public health concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- The role of sleepiness as a contributing factor to RTC remains under-investigated in the Middle East region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of RTC attributable to sleepiness while driving.
- To identify factors associated with sleep-related collisions (SRC).
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from hospitalized drivers involved in RTC in Al-Ain city (April 2006-October 2007).
- Analysis of driver demographics, collision details, speed, and self-reported sleepiness.
- Logistic regression modeling to identify predictors of SRC.
Main Results:
- Sleepiness was a factor in 5% of RTC cases.
- Drivers in SRC often reported high speeds (≥100 km/h).
- SRC were disproportionately high during Ramadan (42%) and on highways (83%).
Conclusions:
- Sleepiness is a notable contributor to RTC in the UAE.
- Driving during Ramadan and on highways significantly increases the risk of SRC.
- Advising drivers to avoid driving when sleepy is crucial, especially during high-risk periods and locations.
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