Tyre bursts leave 110 dead in UAE in 2018

Abu Dhabi - 785 accidents recorded across the country last year resulted from worn-out tyres.

Accidents caused by tyre bursts claimed the lives of 110 people in the UAE and left 1,133 others injured in 2018, according to traffic authorities.
New figures released by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) showed that 785 accidents recorded across the country last year resulted from worn-out tyres, due to lack of regular maintenance or overloading of vehicles.
The Federal Traffic Council (FTC) launched the third nationwide traffic awareness campaign this year to educate motorists about the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations and the dangers of driving on worn-out tyres.
The campaign, which will run until September 1, reflects the strategy of the MoI to improve road safety.
Major-General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, Dubai Police assistant commander-in-chief and chairman of the FTC, said the summer safety drive is among their major campaigns to maintain safer roads.
"Motorists should ensure the safety of their vehicles' tyres by checking them periodically," he said.
Al Zafeen warned that traffic accidents could lead to deaths, injuries and financial damages.
The campaign is being implemented in cooperation with the traffic departments and police patrols across the country, he added. Both public and private sectors have also been roped in.
He called on drivers and road users to pay heed to the traffic rules and regulations; give attention to the periodic maintenance of their vehicles; and stop using worn-out tyres. Al Zafeen also stressed the need to adhere to the limit on loading and warned drivers against flouting the rules.
The campaign is being promoted in various platforms, including social media channels and radio stations.
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• UAE