As the UAE endures the peak of summer with temperatures reaching up to 50°C, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a fresh warning to motorists to conduct routine vehicle inspections to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
The reminder comes as part of the annual ‘Summer Without Accidents’ campaign, launched in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Dubai Police. Ahmed Al Khzaimy, director of traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, stressed the importance of routine maintenance during the hot season.
“We urge all motorists to conduct regular and routine maintenance checks, including a quick inspection before setting off. This should involve a visual check of tyre pressure, engine oil and coolant levels, and ensuring there are no oil or water leaks beneath the vehicle,” he said.
According to Al Khzaimy, such inspections help prevent unexpected breakdowns, which could lead to dangerous traffic accidents and wider road safety risks.
Tyre maintenance is of particular concern. As the only part of the vehicle in direct contact with the road, tyres are highly vulnerable in extreme heat. Authorities caution that old or worn-out tyres are more prone to blowouts, which have led to severe and sometimes fatal collisions.
In a recent video shared by Abu Dhabi authorities, vehicles – including a truck – were shown skidding uncontrollably and crashing into barriers due to tyre damage. The crashes resulted in major damage and posed serious threats to other road users.
The RTA has reiterated that tyres older than five years from their manufacturing date are banned on UAE roads. Thomas Edelmann, founder of RoadSafetyUAE, previously noted the uptick in tyre-related incidents during the summer, especially among commercial vehicles.
“Tyre debris can be found more frequently during the hot months. The key is to continuously educate motorists about proper tyre care,” Edelmann said. The campaign also highlights a critical warning: never leave children unattended inside vehicles.
“Even if the air conditioning is on, it does not provide sufficient protection in a sealed environment,” Al Khzaimy said, stressing that such behaviour could result in suffocation and death in minutes.
RTA shared essential safety tips for summer driving: maintain proper air conditioning, check engine oil and coolant levels, ensure tyres and brakes are in good condition, and clean the vehicle for better visibility and fault detection. Parking in shaded areas is also recommended to protect vehicles from the intense heat.
With the campaign underway, authorities hope that heightened awareness and proactive measures will help reduce road incidents during the scorching summer months.