Stay Safe on UAE Roads This Summer

Summer Road Safety in UAE: Protect Yourself and Others in the Heat

As one of the hottest seasons approaches on the Arabian Peninsula, temperatures often reach or even exceed 50 degrees Celsius. The summer heat not only affects our well-being but also seriously impacts road safety. This summer, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has again launched its "Summer Without Accidents" campaign to remind drivers that maintaining vehicles and conscious driving can save lives.

Why are summers dangerous on the roads?

During the summer months, the temperature of the road surface can rise to extreme levels, affecting every car component—especially tires, the cooling system, brakes, and the interior climate. Worn or old tires can easily burst due to the heat, potentially leading to severe accidents. According to RTA data, using tires more than five years old is no longer permitted on UAE roads.

Children's safety: Tragedy within minutes

The RTA has also emphasized the life-threatening danger for children left in vehicles. Even if the air conditioning is running, the temperature can quickly spike in a closed space, oxygen deficiency can occur, and a child can be in life-threatening condition within minutes. Authorities urge everyone: never leave children or pets in the vehicle, not even for a few minutes.

What maintenance steps does the RTA recommend?

As part of the campaign, the following advice was shared to ensure safe summer driving:

Check the AC: Make sure the air conditioning is functioning properly, especially before long trips.

Inspect the tires: Look at the manufacturing date, pressure, and whether they are cracked or worn. Both over-inflated and under-inflated tires pose dangers.

Refill fluids: Oil and coolant levels are crucial in summer, as the engine heats up more.

Maintain the brake system: A clean and well-maintained brake system can be life-saving in emergencies.

Keep the vehicle clean: Regular cleaning helps in early detection of faults and ensures clear visibility.

Avoid direct sunlight: If possible, park in the shade or use a sunshade on the windshield.

Attention-grabbing incidents and official responses

Recently, several incidents have come to light where vehicles overturned or hit barriers due to damaged tires, endangering other road users. Authorities have also released videos of these incidents to illustrate the consequences of neglecting maintenance.

Summary

The "Summer Without Accidents" campaign reminds us that regular vehicle maintenance and cautious behavior are crucial during the hot months. Carelessness or negligence can endanger not only the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. If everyone acts responsibly, we can work together to keep Dubai and UAE roads safe during the summer.

(Source of the article: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcement.)