The number of accidents caused by burst tyres is on the rise!

Dubai Police launched its annual “summer without accidents campaign”, which aims to reduce accidents caused by tyre issues.  Colonel Jamal Al Bannai, Acting Director of Dubai Traffic Police, said that the campaign focuses on tyre safety, and encourages people to also check the condition of their radiators and brake pads.

“Six people were injured in three accidents which were caused by blown tyres during the first half of this year, compared with 12 accidents during the same period last year in which 22 people were injured as a result,” said Col Jamal Mohammed Al Bannai, acting director of Dubai’s General Traffic Department at a press conference, reported by Gulf Today.

“Seven people died in the past three years, one this year, three in 2014, and two in 2012,” said Col Al Bannai.

Tyre incidents are often linked to used tyres or poor-quality new tyres, which traders may try to pass off as coming from an established manufacturer, said Al Bannai.

Long trips, heavy loads, high speeds and higher temperatures all put additional stress on tyres, he added.

Taking care of tyres will carry drivers and their families safely and comfortably through the hot summer months, and help avoid costly repairs, Al Bannai added.

“Motorists are advised to regularly check the state of tyres and for signs of obvious damage or abnormal wear, especially in the summer. A tread-depth gauge or wear indicator can be used to estimate usage. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm for passenger car tyres.

"Drivers must be aware that congestion increases tyre wear and fuel consumption, and adversely affects vehicle handling and stability.

"Drivers should check tyre pressure monthly. Poorly inflated tyres wear out more quickly and affect the overall performance of the vehicle, including braking distance, handling, safety and fuel consumption,” Colonel Al Bannai said.

 “In the end the tyre is the only physical contact that a vehicle has with the road surface, and therefore tyres that you are driving on should be in their most optimum condition,” said Al Bannai. “It can spell the difference between having a collision and avoiding one.”

Regular public awareness campaigns and advertisements on television, newspapers, radio and billboards are necessary to reduce accidents caused by faulty tyres, said Al Bannai.