Industry leaders have applauded recent moves by Abu Dhabi Municipality to improve safety for schools and pedestrians across the emirate.

Referencing the safety and traffic solutions committee set up by the Executive Affairs Authority in January 2009, which also comprises the Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi Police and the Urban Planning Council as well as the municipality, Asad Badami has highlighted the need for increased awareness about driver’s attitudes and road risks relating to schools and pedestrians.

“Warning signs about speed limits, improved road markings and speed bumps around school zones are key to reducing the risk of injury or fatality,” said Badami, who is the managing director of UAE-based automotive spare parts distributor, A-MAP.

“We want to work hand in hand with regulators to ensure the safety and security of pedestrians and school children on the roads. We advocate drivers regularly check their brakes and tyres in order to maintain safe stopping distances, in addition to adhering to all speed laws. Targeting both the drivers as well as their vehicles is a combined effort that will surely produce results,” Badami added.

Speed can be a heavy contributor to the road toll, with hundreds killed or injured each year as a result of speed crashes. Research has shown that the risk of a serious causality crash doubles with a 10km/h increase on highways.

“The faster you go, the longer your stopping distance and the harder you hit. Tie in speed with brakes and tyres that need to be repaired and it’s a recipe for disaster,” Badami said. “Driving within the speed limit, with a well-maintained vehicle, gives drivers and other road users the best chance of survival on the roads.”

Badami recommends not waiting too long to change brake pads, as the gradual wear ultimately reduces the ability to stop the car. A wear indicator will help determine when it’s time to have brakes examined - the indicator is usually a small piece of metal attached to the brake pad that grinds against the rotor, making a squealing noise.

“Tyres are a relatively low cost safety feature and given that the life expectancy of a well-maintained tyre is up to 60,000km, the running cost is not one that is prohibitive when they need to be replaced,” he added.
 

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear