Police intensify tyre safety campaigns

Traffic authorities in Abu Dhabi have intensified campaigns about tyre safety after several people died in tyre-related crashes this year.

The Abu Dhabi Traffic Police said four people were killed and two seriously injured in 11 tyre-burst accidents during the first six months of 2017.

The police have urged motorists to check car tyres regularly and avoid driving with worn-out tyres to prevent crashes.

Traffic officers have warned that serious crashes that result from tyre-bursting are mostly caused by the use of old and worn-out tyres.

"Drivers should always check the condition of the tyres, before embarking on long journeys or driving on highways," said Dr Abdullah Al Suwaidi from the Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Directorate.

Al Suwaidi said the directorate is carrying out a month-long field drive on the internal and external roads in the emirate to inspect the car tyres and ensure they are safe for drivers.

"Traffic patrols along with tyre specialists are conducting a mobile workshop to inspect tyres of different vehicles and also distribute brochures and booklets to drivers to educate them about the dangers of driving with bad or worn-out tyres," he said.

He noted that in a recent field campaign, officers inspected tyres of about 1,000 vehicles to ensure they are in good condition. Tyres unfit for use on the roads are the prime cause of car overturning, according to the traffic police.

"The roads are very hot now. This can easily cause tyres to explode, especially when the vehicle is speeding," said Al Suwaidi. Authorities have also urged drivers to inspect car tyres regularly to avoid fines.

The fine for using old or worn-out tyres on a vehicle is Dh500, four black points recorded against the driver and the car is impounded for a period of one week, according to the new amendment of the traffic law.

Source: Khaleej Times