Friday: 25 June 2010:
Abu Dhabi Traffic: 12605 vehicles seized in 5 months for using expired tyres
ADP Department of Traffic and patrols has revealed that the total number of vehicles seized for using expired tyres over five months this year in Abu Dhabi were 12605 vehicles. The use of defective tyres increases the risks of tyres bursting which leads to traffic accidents.
Colonel Khamis Ishaq, Deputy Director of Traffic and patrols Department at ADP said "Bursting tyres can cause serious accidents, which can lead to deaths and severe injuries, especially on highways. 76 accidents occurred last year due to tyres bursts leading to 20 deaths and 15 severe injuries across Abu Dhabi Emirate. During the period from first January to 31 May 2010, six persons died and two sustained severe injuries, due to tyres bursts".
He affirmed that strict traffic control would be implemented on internal and external roads to book motorists who use expired or defective tyres. The aim of the drive is to protect drivers and other road users.
He urged motorists not to use bad, not good enough or not meet specifications tyres. Drivers should ensure that the tyres suit the power of their vehicles. Use of expired tyres is a traffic offence which entails one week seizure of vehicle plus Dh200 fine.
Motorists should examine and check their tyres before starting long journeys. They should also check tyre pressure by using reliable equipment and should ensure that the spare tyre is in good condition. Replaced tyres should not be left on the road as they may cause accidents.
Physical reasons for tyres burst
ADP has identified 12 physical reasons for tyres burst, and how to select suitable tyres for your vehicle. Motorist who want to replace their vehicles tyres with wider or bigger ones are warned, because this is against the manufacturer specifications.
Physicist Mohammad Mohammad Ghareeb ADP GHQ said ' There are 12 reasons for tyres burst. These include, the material used in tyres making do not comply with specifications, defect in manufacturing process or expiry of tyres. Cracked tyres should not be used".
Bald or worn treads of tyres, using tyres for long times without checking the raised pattern on their surfaces, not equalizing tyres wear by changing them around from time to time in addition to acrobatic shows by some youths. Driving on rough terrain erodes tyres; use of not heavy duty tyres on rough roads increases the ear and tear of tyres. Under-inflation and over-inflation of tyres change the structure of threads that strengthen the tyre, not even or balanced grip on the road leads to tyres bursts. The tyre should suit the vehicle in terms of temperature endurance. Drivers should read the details shown on tyres. Tyres should be examined once every two weeks, especially the tubeless tyres. It would be better to examine them while they are cold, or before traveling with them. Spare tyre should be checked="checked" always.