Drivers of 21,962 vehicles
fined for worn-out tyres

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate of the Abu Dhabi Police has issued tickets to the drivers or owners of 21,962 vehicles for unfit, worn-out tyres in the first half of this year.

Colonel Hamad Nasser Al Baloushi, Director of the Peripheral Areas Traffic Department at the directorate, urged motorists to ensure the tyres of their motor vehicles are in good condition, and replace damaged or worn-out tyres, to avoid tyre bursts that can result in serious injuries and fatal accidents.

Colonel Baloushi spoke in awareness programmes of the “ Summer Without Accidents” campaign launched by the Interior Ministry to curb traffic accidents and about the priority of the Abu Dhabi Police to make the roads much safer, as well as the strategy of the traffic and patrols directorate.

He stressed on the need to regularly check the vehicles fitted tyres as well as the reserve (spare) tyre before hitting the road. Also the tyres’ air pressure should be checked.

He said, driving at high speed and the friction between the tyres and the road heats up the tyres and may cause it to explode.

He urged motorists to ensure the tyres are in compliance with specifications of their vehicles before buying them, and not go on the mere appearance and shape. They should ensure the tyres match the speed and power of the vehicle, he added.

Colonel Baloushi also warned motorists that any one found using unfit tyres in violation of the law, will be slapped with a Dh200 fine and his vehicle will be impounded for a week.

He also cautioned motorists, especially on highways, if replacing their vehicle’s tyres on road then not to leave the damaged ones by the road side, as they can become obstacles in the way of other drivers and lead to traffic accidents.