Motorists urged to carry out safety checks on cars

Al Ain: Traffic police have stepped up their campaign to warn motorists to check the safety of their vehicles before setting off on a long journey.

Drivers are being urged to carry out a complete "fitness" check-up on their vehicles and make sure they take spare parts with them to avoid any problems on the way. With the annual summer holiday season now in full swing, many people were using their own vehicles to reach destinations across the Arabian peninsula and Africa.

Al Ain Traffic Police started distributing instructional leaflets from Tuesday as part of their road safety campaign. Police were offering the leaflets to motorists at Hili and other border posts where drivers cross between the UAE and Oman.

The brochures include information on road safety, tips for safe driving and a vehicle safety checklist.

Lieutenant Colonel Hamad Nasser Al Beloushi, Head of Al Ain Traffic Police, said safety and security of all road users is the prime objective of his department. "Motorists must take all safety precautions and make sure their vehicles are fit for long travel and carry all the supporting documents of the vehicle and passengers," he said.

These measures must be taken before embarking on the journey to avoid any problem and inconvenience during the travel, said the traffic police chief. Travellers, he said, should choose an appropriate time for the trip and maintain a sufficient safe distance from other vehicles moving on the roads.

Lt Col Al Beloushi said motorists also needed to take care while driving in the region's present weather conditions. Strong winds had been stirring up dust and sand and reducing visibility. Sand also accumulated on roads. Drivers making a sudden deviation around sand patches on the road could cause an accident, he said.

Police also warned that travellers must abide by traffic regulations and not overload their vehicles. Luggage on the roof should not measure higher than 60cm, otherwise it could destabilise a vehicle and put the lives of drivers and passengers at risk.