Members of the Muslim community could be putting themselves at more risk of having a road collision by not recognising the signs of fatigue.

It is important that you are able to recognise the signs of fatigue and respond to them say the Lancashire Fire Service.

Symptoms of fatigue include: yawning, poor concentration, tired eyes, restlessness, drowsiness, slow reactions and over steering.

Steve Collins the road safety co-ordinator for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service warns that; “you can’t drive through tiredness.

"So we would advise road users fasting during Ramadan to get plenty of rest.

"Lack of sleep over several days will affect a drivers’ ability to concentrate, make decisions and react to other road users quickly”.

Road Safety Tips: • Be alert on the road when you’re driving just before sunset. Observe all traffic signs and most importantly other drivers.

• Don’t rush to get home, leave plenty of time for your journey. Obey posted speed limits, adjusting it where necessary for the conditions of the road.

• If you feel sleepy before driving, take a nap for no more than 20 minutes. If possible take alternate transport like buses or taxis.

Road safety is also a big issue during Eid celebrations too, particularly for younger drivers. Over recent years there has been an increased trend amongst young Asian drivers hiring high-performance vehicles during the Eid period. This combination of inexperienced drivers and powerful cars has resulted in serious injuries and deaths from road collisions in the past.

“The fact is that very often many hire these powerful cars as a group and that means that there could be as many as five occupants involved. Excessive speed coupled with driver inexperience, peer pressure to show off and not wearing a seat belt are all key factors that make these young drivers a danger to themselves, other road users and pedestrians.”

Tony Crook, the Prevention, Protection and Road Safety Group Manager for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service added, “We hope that everyone enjoys their Eid celebration but we want everyone to do so safely too and so the key message we’d like to get across to these young drivers is to remember that there is someone at home who wants you to come back safely.”