Campaign against modifying vehicles

Text messages will be sent to motorists and police teams will visit Ramadan tents

Motorists who have modified their vehicles to make their their exhausts noisier or increase their speed are being urged to ditch the add-ons as part of a new awareness campaign.

Launched yesterday, the campaign will run for 30 days in Dubai under the slogan ‘Our Youths ... Our Treasure’ and aims to educate young drivers of the dangers of modifying their cars.

The month-long campaign will include field visits to schools and universities and workshops for students, Brigadier Ahmad Thani Bin Galita, director of Al Rafaa police station and head of the Police Stations Council, said at a press conference.

Text messages will be sent to motorists and police teams will visit Ramadan tents in residential areas to spread awareness.

The campaign will be run on social media platforms as well and campaign message stickers will be placed on ATMs.

“Parents have a major role in watching their children and not allowing them to use their cars. Members of the public should help police and call 901 if they notice any incidents involving modified vehicles,” Brig Bin Galita said.

“Modifying cars can cause ■ death or injuries. This campaign will target motorists who illegally modify their cars in order to increase their speed. We have witnessed major traffic accidents because of modifying cars,” said Brigadier Abdul Haleem Al Hashemi, deputy director of Al Ghusais police station.

Deadly accident

As recently as April 27, an Emirati teenager was killed and three other youths were seriously injured in an accident on Al Khawaneej Road.

“The driver and three passengers, all aged 17, were going 140km/h on the road towards Al Multaqa roundabout when the vehicle swerved and crashed into the lamppost. The vehicle flipped many times,” Brig Al Hashemi said.

Prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha Al Falasi, head of the Dubai Traffic Prosecution, said modifying a vehicle could land the owner in trouble.

“Modifying a vehicle is a deadly step. It is so dangerous on our roads. The owner can be fined and prosecuted in case of an accident or damaging property,” Al Falasi said.