Dubai: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has advised motorists to carry out routine safety checks on their vehicles to avoid problems that might lead to accidents.
"A driver has to check the functionality of several systems and parts in his vehicle to avoid sudden breakdowns or faults, which may lead to fatal accidents," said Hussain Al Banna, Director of the Traffic Department at the RTA.
He advised motorists to carry out periodic inspections of their cars at auto workshops to ensure they are road worthy.
"Though the vehicles undergo technical tests every year at the time of registration renewal, it is not enough to keep a vehicle fit to drive. Motorists must frequently carry out safety checks throughout the year, particularly before going on long distance travels," the director added.
The RTA has also prepared an educational leaflet called the "Road Travellers Guide" as part of its campaign to target road users. The leaflet is being distributed at its customers service centres, traffic offices and on roads.
It contains information to help motorists check their vehicles themselves and also tips on what to do in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
Al Banna pointed out that simple routine maintenance can prevent vehicle breakdowns, excessive fuel consumption and engine problems.
The checklist focuses on tyres, brakes, oil levels, the radiator liquid level, air-conditioning, batteries, electrical cables, front and rear lights and oil leakage from the vehicle’s undercarriage.
Al Banna added that some checks do not necessarily require visiting technical workshops, but can be carried out by the driver himself, such as checking the air pressure of tyres and the oil level of the engine.
He also alerted motorists to avoid driving on the tail of trucks loaded with sand, bricks, gravel, barrels, long steel bars, or wooden material, as such objects may fall at any moment, causing crashes which can lead to fatalities.
