The Dubai Police General Command has issued a stark warning regarding road safety during the summer season, citing alarming statistics from the previous year.
Dubai Police Warns Against Summer Road Accidents
Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police for Operations Affairs, highlighted the launch of the "Summer Without Accidents" campaign by the Ministry of Interior, underscoring the need for heightened awareness of safety measures, particularly in maintaining vehicles and ensuring tire safety.
During the summer months of June to August 2023, Dubai Police recorded 30 fatalities out of a total of 121 for the year. Additionally, there were 45 serious injuries, 308 moderate injuries, and 283 minor injuries reported during this period. Comparatively, the summer of 2022 saw 36 fatalities, 35 serious injuries, 314 moderate injuries, and 315 minor injuries, while in 2021, there were 26 fatalities, 41 serious injuries, 178 moderate injuries, and 217 minor injuries. Al Ghaithi attributed many accidents to inadequate vehicle inspections by owners, with tire explosions being a significant cause.
Importance of Vehicle Maintenance
Emphasizing the critical role of the "Summer Without Accidents" campaign, Al Ghaithi stressed its alignment with the Ministry of Interior’s strategy to enhance road safety, especially during the hot summer months. He urged drivers to regularly check their vehicles, particularly tires, to ensure they can withstand high temperatures on the roads.
The campaign aims to promote safer driving practices and raise awareness among all road users through various platforms, including social media and roadside banners. It includes checkpoints for vehicle safety inspections to enforce compliance with safety standards. Al Ghaithi commended the efforts of traffic departments nationwide in improving safety and implementing effective solutions to reduce accident-related fatalities.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, Al Ghaithi emphasized the role of partnerships in supporting the campaign’s initiatives. He acknowledged the official sponsor’s contribution, which includes offering free vehicle inspections at affiliated stations. Brigadier General Ahmed Al Naqbi, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Ras Al Khaimah Police, emphasized the campaign’s educational role in educating drivers on vehicle safety practices, regular maintenance, and precautions against accidents.
Drivers were advised to adhere strictly to traffic laws, maintain appropriate speeds, avoid distractions, and maintain safe distances between vehicles. Al Naqbi stressed the importance of inspecting tires regularly for wear and tear, replacing them when necessary, and using high-quality materials to prevent accidents caused by tire explosions. He also emphasized the need for safety measures inside vehicles, such as having fire extinguishers and avoiding leaving potentially hazardous items in the vehicle.
The "Summer Without Accidents" campaign underscores the Dubai Police’s commitment to enhancing road safety during the challenging summer season. By promoting awareness, implementing vehicle safety inspections, and fostering community engagement, the initiative aims to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the roads of Dubai and across the UAE.
