Safe Trucks 2018: a Road Safety Initiative Launched in Dubai

Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DP World - UAE Region, Gargash Enterprises -  Mercedes-Benz and Michelin, have successfully launched SAFE TRUCKS 2018, a truck safety initiative, aimed at raising general awareness of truck safety aspects and security procedures on the roads.

The campaign had two main phases – educational safety seminars and truck safety check-ups. The safety seminars, which took place at DP World in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) premises from the 26th to the 29th of March 2018, targeted truck drivers, DP World employees, and owners and managers of companies based in JAFZA. Safety lectures and advice were offered by subject matter experts from DP World, RTA, Mercedes-Benz and Michelin.

MICHELIN is an official partner in the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) and is committed to supporting road safety awareness and education campaigns with road users globally. The Michelin importer in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Central Trading Company General Manager, Mohamed Aqel said, “We are pleased to be part of these initiatives as we believe tyres are very critical to truck safety. Our aim is to raise awareness about tyre safety, responsible driving and safer roads.”

The second phase of SAFE TRUCKS 2018 included free truck safety check-ups at DP World Inspection Centers in JAFZA, from the 2nd to the 5th of April 2018. Truck safety aspects including tyres, brakes, oil leakages, headlights, wipers, etc., were checked by technical support teams and experts representing Michelin, Mercedes-Benz and RTA. These check-ups also included providing truck drivers with professional advice and safety status reports of their vehicles, while highlighting the importance of driving on safe tyres.

Ms. Deema Fouad Hussein, Traffic Awareness Senior Manager at RTA, said: “RTA is a committed partner in promoting road safety initiatives. SAFE TRUCKS 2018 campaign has enabled us to strengthen awareness about the important aspects of truck safety, including the condition of tyres, which is often overlooked by drivers.”

Sample results revealed that nearly 35% of truck drivers were found to be driving either on under- or over-inflated tyres. Almost 18% of the tyres checked during the safety check-ups had defects ranging from cracks, uneven tread wear, to fully worn-out treads, which in turn endangers lives of both the drivers and other road users, if not immediately addressed.

“I would like to thank our partners for making SAFE TRUCKS 2018 initiative a successful event and a great contribution to safer roads in Dubai. As part of our corporate social responsibility programs, we hope that such initiative could be a recurring event, aiming at raising awareness on road safety”, said Thomas Rothe, General Manager for Gargash Enterprises, the Authorized Distributor of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.