Tyre related accidents on the decline

Dubai police issued 419 fines for worn-out tyres during the first five months of 2016, compared to 3,249 in 2015 and 8,291 fines for 2014. This was confirmed by the deputy director of Dubai Traffic Police, Colonel Jamal Al Bannai. 

These figures were released in conjunction with the ‘Summer without accidents’ campaign, which highlights tyre and car safety, and encourages motorists to do regular simple and essential checks of their vehicles.

The 45-day awareness campaign on tyre safety was launched today. This campaign in its third year and has proved very successful during the especially hot summer months. Poorly maintained vehicles can be particularly dangerous during the hot middle eastern summer. The most common reason behind accidents during the summer is worn out or under inflated tyres.

InIn the year 2014, there were 12 accidents which were caused directly by burst tyres resulting in 4 deaths. In 2015, there were five accidents resulting in three deaths, and in 2016 up till May there were only two incidents and no deaths. 'This decrease is directly attributable to the awareness spread during the tyre safety campaign,' Al Bannai added.

The campaign includes talks, educational materials via social media networks and tents that are being set up on major highways like Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai-Al Ain Road, Mohammad Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. Police patrols will be stopping and issuing fines to drivers whose vehicles have unfit tyres that pose a risk to both the driver and his passengers and other vehicles.