Just recently, a first-of-its-kind nationwide traffic awareness campaign known as ‘Summer Without Accidents’ has been unveiled in the UAE. This federal traffic initiative is designed to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents across the country.
According to Major-General Mohamed Saif Al Zafin, chairman of the Federal Traffic Council and assistant commander-in-chief of the Dubai Police, this was the first time that such a unified nationwide campaign, which will last until the end of September, has been put in place.
The chairman added that the UAE witnesses a huge number of traffic accidents during the summer. Statistics shows that last year, in a number of traffic mishaps that happened during the season, 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.
Al Zafin claimed that hot weather conditions cause car tire bursts and other faults, noting that mishaps also happen due to long driving hours during the day. He added that high temperature affects car parts, and thus people need to ensure that they are in excellent condition. Motorists must check the engine and cooling system to ensure the passengers’ safety and protect their cars.
In a statement, Colonel Jamal Al Banai, acting director of the general department of traffic of the Dubai Police, mentioned that ‘Summer Without Accidents’ campaign would focus on tire safety, and encourage people to look into the condition of their radiators and brake pads. Drivers will be able to check the condition of their cars’ tires at police points along the borders.
“The awareness campaign will help reduce tire bursts,” he said.
The police will stop motorists and carry out free check-ups of tires, which look faulty and could pose a threat to the safety of both drivers and passengers. When a fault gets detected, these vehicles could be sent for a technical check-up and will be repaired.
Al Banai said that the police would distribute brochures at different places, including petrol stations and malls, and also carry out awareness lectures at government departments.
In accordance with Major Ali Saeed Al Shahi, head of strategic section at the Ministry of Interior, people must follow road safety measures and conform to speed limits. He also stressed that if a person could not determine the condition of his/her vehicle’s tires, it is best to visit an official tire service station and get them checked.
Al Shahi noted that car maintenance is of supreme importance, adding that checking the overall condition of vehicles at regular intervals, particularly when travelling, can help prevent an accident and ensure safety. He also pointed out that motorists are not supposed to overload their cars with luggage or passengers.
Al Shahi concluded that there would also be special drives to raise awareness among drivers and road users about the risks posed by unhealthy traffic practices.
Source: https://goo.gl/bEm51p
