UAE | Traffic and Transport
Dead end looms for overloaded cars
A senior police officer has warned that people travelling long distances by road are dangerously overloading their vehicles, putting themselves and their families at risk.
- By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 7, 2008
- Image Credit:
- Overloading does not only put the car's tyres under strain, but also the suspension, as well as putting an extra load on the engine.
Dubai: A senior police officer has warned that people travelling long distances by road are dangerously overloading their vehicles, putting themselves and their families at risk.
He said some motorists appear as if they are "emigrating or running away", carrying fridges and electronic appliances on top of their cars. This can endanger their lives," said Lt Col Saif Al Mazroui, acting deputy director of Dubai Police's Traffic Department.
Overloading does not only put the car's tyres under strain, but also the suspension, as well as putting an extra load on the engine, he said.
Police has set up a checkpoint at Emarat petrol station on Shaikh Zayed Road (Al Hasa) heading toward Abu Dhabi, offering a free tyre check-up. Policemen will also distribute safety brochures to motorists.
Lt Mohammad Moosa, supervisor at the checkpoint, said traffic patrol cars will stop overloaded vehicles and fine them. "Most of the accidents in case of overloading are cars overturning," he said. Moosa said another dangerous habit of motorists is to put children in the front seat.
"Many cars also catch fire because of bad maintenance," he said.
The campaign, which began on May 21, will run until June 22.
Information will be provided in Arabic as surveys show that most long distance journeys are by Arab expatriates, mainly travelling to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria and Egypt.
Representatives from the police also recently visited the Saudi consulate in Dubai to cooperate with them in spreading awareness and safety journey brochures to visitors of the consulate who intended to travel to Saudi Arabia by land to perform Umrah.
According to police more than 30 per cent of inspected vehicles have been found with faulty tyres. Moosa said owners of the cars were forced to change their tyres before they could continue.
Many motorists try to trick the teams at Tasjeel and other vehicle inspection centres by purchasing new tyres for a small fee, and when the vehicle is passed they return the tyres and fit the old ones.
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