(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Three people were killed and four others injured in tyre-burst related road accidents here in Ras Al Khaimah, in the first ten months of 2017, official records show.

RAK roads saw 108 accidents caused by tyre bursts between January to October 2017, stated Brigadier Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director general of the RAK Police's central operations department. "Three people were killed and four were hurt in seven these 108 accidents, due to the drivers' failure to attend to tyre safety, causing moderate to grievous accidents," he said.

While the lack of tyre safety is a main reason behind thousands of road accidents every year, many drivers do not pay heed to this critical issue.

Brig Humaidi said maintaining the safety of all parts of their vehicle is the driver's responsibility. "This is critical to other road users' safety, besides the drivers' themselves."

The tyres, especially, must be of good quality, fit, of valid useability dates, and up to the standards. "Failing to ensure this could end in deadly accidents," the official warned.

Some tyres may be valid and fit for internal roads and highways, but speeding causes them to burst, he explained. "Drifting is another reason for these serious accidents, mainly turn-over ones."

It's the families of the unfortunate accident victims who can vouch most for tyre safety.

Sherif Sabry, an Egyptian, told Khaleej Times that he lost his younger brother in a gruesome road accident. "The tragic mishap, in which his wife was also killed, was due to a tyre burst.

"My brother lost control over the steering wheel, veered off the road, and rammed into a lamp post on the middle road island. The impact of the collision was so hard that the saloon car split into two halves."

Sabry tearfully added that the couple's eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter are now orphans, just because of not paying attention to a critical safety aspect.

Mohammed Salem, a safety engineer, said car tyres are the only vehicle parts in contact with the road. "They play a major role in the safety of passengers, other road users and the vehicle."

All tyres must be the right kind and size for your vehicle, he stressed. "They should be properly inflated, free of defects, and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm."

Ahmed Shaaban Originally from Egypt, I have been in Dubai since December 2005. Before coming here, I worked as an English language instructor, chief En/Ar translator, proofreader, reporter in Egypt and Qatar. I have also worked as a reporter, correspondent and simultaneous translator with two satellite channels in Dubai. I have a masters degree in media, Cairo University, 2014, a bachelor degree in English language and translation, Ain Shams University, Cairo, 1996, and three post-graduate diplomas in English language and Instruction. With over 19 years of experience in translation, interpretation, EFL instruction, and reporting. I am interested in technology, aviation, politics, as well as community, parliament and defence issues. I enjoy reading, writing, exercising, and surfing the web.

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