Tuesday 22 June 2010:
ADP Traffic and patrols Department urges land travelers to adhere to allowed loads
The ADP Department of Traffic and Patrols has urged motorists who will leave for summer vacation in their home lands not to exceed load limits in their vehicles. Any excess baggage they should send it ti their home lands through land, sea and air cargo services, to ensure their safety and protection against traffic accidents which happen due to overloading.
The Department has mentioned the risks of loading baggage on trailers and have them towed by their vehicles. The trailer forms an additional burden to the vehicle and some trailers do not comply with prescribed specifications.
Colonel (Engineer) Hussain Ahmed Al Harthi, Director of Traffic and patrols Department has affirmed the importance of checking vehicles before the beginning of the journey to ensure their mechanical fitness. Motorists shall change engine oil, air filters etc to avoid any breakdowns on the road.
He has slo urged driver not to use tyres which are not meet prescribed specifications. Any expired tyres shall be replaced to avoid tire bursts especially during summer season and its high temperatures.
Major Ahmed Abdullah Al Shamsi, Head of the Western Region Traffic Section, ha s affirmed that traffic control will be carried out on Abu Dhabi-Al Ghuwaifat Road to book drivers who exceed load and height limits (60 cm above the vehicle roof). Offenders will have their vehicles impounded for seven days, plus a fine of not les than Dh200, in addition to 3 traffic points. Stiffening of procedures aims at ensuring the safety and protection against traffic accidents and vehicles overturning.
He urges drivers to fasten seat belts, not using cell phones while driving, not speeding to avoid road surprises, take spans of rest if they feel tired or sleepy, leave safety distance between vehicles, chose the best time to start the journey. Drivers must remember that sandy winds blow during this time of the year where the visibility becomes very low. So drivers must take utmost precautions in this respect.