Proper tyre storage 'key to road safety'

The Traffic and Licensing Department of Abu Dhabi has called for intensified and thorough inspection of storage facilities for vehicle tyres in workshops and showrooms.

The call was made by Lieutenant Colonel Ghaith Hassan Al Za'abi, the department's Director, following reports of increasing road accidents because of blow-outs, mainly caused by the summer heat.

The department's head asked the authorities concerned, specially the municipality and the Civil Defence, to increase their inspections of the establishments selling tyres to ensure they are stored properly and under the specified conditions and temperatures.

"The proper storage of tyres is a key factor in road safety and needs greater attention. The storage of tyres in poor condition is an invisible but a major cause of fatalities on the road, specially when the temperature reaches its peak in the summer," Lt. Colonel Al Za'abi maintained.

He said though tyres could be new and freshly imported, poor maintenance and bad storage conditions could reduce their life, and they burst on the road when they cannot take the heat.

The official regretted that some dealers keep tyres out in the sun and move them inside their storage facilities in the evening. He said keeping tyres under the sun or moving them between the open sun and shade is extremely bad for them.

He said the tyres should be kept indoors under the manufacturer's specified temperature. "Any other method of storage is bad for the tyres," he said.

He advised the authorities concerned to impose stricter punitive measures against those dealers and shops which do not comply with standard specifications for tyre storage.

Lt. Col. Al Za'abi said: "Though the statistics show a decline in the number of casualties and road accidents involving burst tyres, the situation is still alarming when summer reaches its peak."

He said tyre accidents dropped to 23 in the first six months of this year from 31 in the corresponding period last year. Similarly, fatalities also dropped from seven to four in the same period.

The injuries also dropped from 71 to 65 in the first six months of the corresponding years.

"There is a good improvement in the first six months, but things deteriorate when summer approaches its peak from July. Most of the tyre accidents are reported in the summer due to scorching heat," he said.

Lt. Col. Al Za'abi said another factor in fatal accidents is negligence on the part of drivers.

"They should check and maintain their vehicle tyres from time to time, specially in the summer. They should immediately change them when they see minor cracks or smooth rubbed surfaces, and never risk taking long drives without changing them," he advised.

He also advised replacing old tyres before their manufacturer's specified expiring dates approach.

"Tyres may look good and new, but it is not wise to continue driving after their expiry dates. The manufacturers must have considered certain technical and safety aspects to set age limits for the tyres," he observed.

Lt. Col. Al Za'abi added that only car manufacturers' recommended and specified tyres should be used and drivers should always avoid purchasing second-hand tyres.

"When you go for new tyres, take the trouble to call and consult your car agencies for advice. The trouble is worth the effort," he advised.

He called upon motorists to carry out car maintenance of their vehicles on a regular basis.

Referring to vehicular fires, the official said there has been little improvement, but they still remain second to domestic-related fires.

Lieutenant Colonel Ghaith Hassan Al Za'abi, Director, Traffic and Licensing Department of Abu Dhabi, issued the following fire safety measures when on the road:

- Always check the engine, oil and the radiator and the level of water in it in the vehicle;
- Always replace torn and old wires on the vehicle and properly check its wiring network from time to time;
- Do not keep or leave air fresheners and cleaning sprays expo-sed to intensive heat in the car;
- Always keep a fire extinguisher inside the car and in case of fire, switch off the engine on the spot, try to disconnect the battery and also use sand to put out the blaze.