Tyre bursts blamed for 56 RAK accidents in 6 months

ras al khaimah — Tyre bursts caused 56 traffic accidents in the emirate in the first six months of the year, according to a senior police officer.

Brigadier Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, directorgeneral of the central operations department, RAK Police, said all the burst tyres were found to have been unfit for use.

“The RAK Police have urged all drivers to comply with the regulations regarding tyre safety and pay attention to the quality, brand and validity of the tyres to ensure that lives of other road users and themselves are not in danger,” he said.

Using bad quality tyres is a big risk and can lead to sudden bursts, particularly in hot weather,

The production date and quality of the tyre must be noticed and purchase should only be made from trusted outlets.” Brig Dr Mohammed Al Humaidi, director-general, central operations department, RAK Police

causing serious accidents, he explained. “All drivers should go for the mandatory annual test.”

The traffic and patrols department here has booked some drivers for using unfit tyres, he stated. “Some motorists were found using second-hand tyres to pass the tests, and they were also fined.”

All drivers should check the validity of the tyres before buying them, Brig Humaidi said. “The production date and quality of the tyre must be noticed and purchase should only be made from trusted outlets.”

The RAK Police have run several campaigns to increase drivers’ awareness about the importance of tyre validity, he said.

“These campaigns are held in the beginning of every summer because of possible tyre bursts under the scorching temperatures,” said the officer. Thousands of brochures in Arabic, English and Urdu were also distributed to the drivers to spread awareness, he elaborated.

The police have also organised a number of lectures at government and private entities. Social media platforms are also being used as a good means of communication with the public to boost their traffic safety awareness and curb road accidents.”

Sherif Al Wakeel, an Egyptian contractor, said he always goes for branded tyres that have a longer lifetime. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com