6,000 drivers fined in UAE for violating tyre safety rules

More than 6,000 motorists in Abu Dhabi were fined for tyre safety violations during the summer last year, the Abu Dhabi Police have revealed.

Tyre bursts during the summer months in 2019 claimed three lives and left two others with critical injuries, the police said, while sounding fresh warning on the dangers of driving with worn-out and expired tyres.

The police said the number of motorists caught driving with damaged and expired tyres were 6,211 last year.

Such motorists face a Dh500 fine, along with four black points and their vehicle is impounded for a week.

In their ongoing summer road safety campaign on social media, the police said the main causes of traffic accidents during summer include driving with expired and worn-out tyres, underinflated or overinflated tyres and overloading of vehicles.

Police said damaged and expired tyres can easily burst on hot road surfaces resulting in crashes.

The cops have reminded drivers to regularly check their car tyres to ensure they are in a good condition as air pressure in them normally increases especially in hot weather conditions.

Thomas Edelmann, managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said now that the temperatures have started rising and everyone is feeling the impact, some 'summer driving tips' will help motorists get safely through the coming summer months.

Here are RoadSafetyUAE's tips:

- Keep spare face masks in your car (sweat) and be careful with leaving hand sanitisers in the car as hot temperatures may have negative effect and so, rather carry them in your bag

-Watch out for debris on the roads, especially tyre debris

-Make sure that you have water with you on longer drives ... stay hydrated!

-Consider proper sun glasses to maintain proper vision in glaring light

-Never ever leave your children or pets unattended in parked vehicles

-Be careful with certain items like sprays, inflammable liquids, cigarette lighters, electronics, mobile phones and other delicate items as they might react badly to hot temperatures

-Regularly walk around your vehicle for a quick visual inspection

-Maintain your vehicle regularly, ideally at certified service centres.

-Pay special attention to your tyres and check for cracks, damage and proper inflation.

-Make sure your air conditioning system works perfectly

-Check for proper levels of coolant, oil, washer fluid and other liquids

-Park your vehicle in shaded areas to avoid wear and tear from heat and direct sunlight

-Protect the interior, especially dash-board and steering wheel

-Consider opening your windows just a tiny bit when parking in hot conditions, as a bit of ventilation can lower the temperatures in your vehicle

-Watch out for those who might be affected by the adverse weather conditions, especially pedestrians, motorcycle riders and bicycle riders, as their 'normal' behaviour might be impacted by hot temperatures and challenging road surface conditions

-Be aware that surfaces can get extremely hot when exposed to sunlight, so be careful what you touch

-Switch off your engine at petrol stations during pumping

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

Ismail Sebugwaawo

A professional journalist originating from Kampala, Uganda, Ismail is a happy father with strong attachment to family and great values for humanity. He has practiced journalism in UAE for the past 13 years, covering the country's parliament (FNC) and crimes, including Abu Dhabi Police, public prosecution and courts. He also reports about important issues in education, public health and the environment, with a keen interest in human interest stories. When out of reporting duties, he serves the Ugandan community in Abu Dhabi as he wants to see his countrymen happy. Exercising and reading are part of his free time.