Road safety charity the IAM is offering driving tips for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling.

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Fasting has an impact on driving - in the Gulf states accidents increase during Ramadan. That’s why the IAM is urging drivers to be a little more cautious, especially just before Iftar.

“I send everyone celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr and the holy month of Ramadan my very best wishes and wish everyone Ramadan Kareem.”

Motorists are being urged to plan their daily schedule to sleep well, exercise regularly and eat meals at a consistent time.

If you feel sleepy before driving, take a nap for no more than 15 minutes. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately to a safe and legal place and take a short nap. You can’t ‘drive through tiredness’. After the nap, get out of your car and walk about, help to improve your circulation.

Be more courteous and patient with other users. Give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive at your destination on time. Don’t make the mistake of rushing home at sunset for Iftar – drive there safely and carefully Be alert on the road before when driving just before sunset or on the way to have the Iftal refreshments which break the day’s fast.

If you cannot cope with the tiredness, consider using taxis, buses or even join a car pool; if your journey is not too far, perhaps go on foot?

To help drivers stay safe and enjoy their driving this summer, the IAM has a new website, drivingadvice.org.uk, with traffic updates, weather forecasts, and driving tips, including: driving abroad, cycling, coping with Olympic congestion, and loading the car for a long journey.