3-month drive for an accident-free summer
dubai — A first-of-its-kind nation-wide traffic awareness campaign called ‘summer without accidents’ has been launched. The federal traffic initiative aims to enhance road safety and reduce the number of accidents across the country.
Major-General Mohamed Saif Al Zafeen, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police, said this was the first time that such a unified country-wide campaign has been launched. It will be on till the end of September.
The country witnesses a large number of traffic accidents during the summer, he said. During the summer of 2016, in several traffic accidents, 62 people were killed in Abu Dhabi; 40 in Dubai; 39 in Sharjah; 16 in Ras Al Khaimah and two each in Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.
Hot weather conditions lead to car tyre bursts and other faults, he said. Accidents also happen because of long driving hours during the day.
He said the high temperature affects vehicles’ parts, and therefore, people should ensure that they are in a good condition. The drivers should check the engine and cooling system to ensure the safety of passengers and protect their cars.
Colonel Jamal Al Banai, acting director of the general department of traffic of the Dubai Police, said the ‘summer without accidents’ campaign will focus on tyre safety, and encourage people to also check the condition of their radiators and brake pads. At police points along the borders, motorists will be able to check the condition of their cars’ tyres.
There will be larger number of police patrols on highways to ensure safety. “The awareness campaign will help reduce tyre bursts,” he said.
The police will stop drivers and conduct free check-ups of tyres of vehicles, which look faulty and possibly pose risk to the drivers and passengers. These vehicles could be sent for a technical checkup and will be rectified.
He said the police will distribute brochures at various places, including malls and petrol stations, and also conduct awareness lectures at government departments.
Major Ali Saeed Al Shahi, head of strategic section at the Ministry of Interior, said people should follow road safety measures and abide by speed limits. If a person cannot determine the condition of his/her vehicle’s tyres, it is best to visit an official tyre service station and get them checked, he stressed.
He said maintenance of cars is of paramount importance. Checking the overall condition of cars at regular intervals, especially when travelling, can help avert an accident and ensure safety, he added. He said drivers are not supposed to overload their cars with passengers or luggage.
Al Shahi pointed out that there will also be special drives to raise awareness among motorists and road users about the dangers posed by “unhealthy traffic practices”.
During the summer of 2016, 62 people were killed in Abu Dhabi; 40 in Dubai; 39 in Sharjah; 16 in RAK and two each in Fujairah and UAQ in traffic accidents.” Maj-Gen Mohamed Al Zafeen, chairman of Federal Traffic Council