This summer, the Ministry of Interior and traffic authorities in the UAE are intensifying inspections to ensure road safety. Vehicles with worn-out tyres will face a Dh500 fine under Article 82 of the Federal Traffic Law. Additionally, the vehicle could be impounded for a week, and the driver will incur four black points.
Abu Dhabi Police have launched a field awareness initiative on tyre inspection during the annual Liwa Dates Festival in Al Dhafra, in collaboration with the Michelin Group. This is part of the Ministry of Interior’s “Summer Without Accidents” campaign and Abu Dhabi Police’s “Summer Safety” campaign. The Traffic Awareness and Education Branch of the Al Dhafra Region provided drivers with safety precautions for summer driving, emphasizing the importance of tyre checks and replacements if needed. They also distributed awareness booklets and gifts.
In Dubai, Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Dubai Police’s assistant commander-in-chief for operations affairs, emphasized the need for vehicle maintenance and tyre safety. Al Ghaithi noted that many serious summer accidents occur because drivers neglect to check their cars before driving. Tyre blowouts are a major cause of these accidents.
Last year, there were 22 car crashes in the UAE due to tyre blowouts. Police caught over 18,000 people driving with bad tyres. Authorities and experts highlight seven tyre-related reasons that could potentially lead to accidents:
- Tyres unfit for the road.
- Tyres that don’t meet safety specifications.
- Excessive loads not compatible with tyre type.
- Not maintaining proper air pressure.
- Travelling at a speed beyond the tyres’ permissible limit.
- Improper use of tyres, such as driving on unsuitable surfaces.
- Neglecting periodic tyre inspection and maintenance.
This summer, drivers are urged to prioritize vehicle maintenance and tyre safety to ensure a safer journey for everyone on the roads.