The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior has launched its third traffic safety campaign for 2026, titled “Accident-Free Summer,” aiming to reduce road accidents during the busy summer holiday period. The three-month nationwide initiative, coordinated by the Federal Traffic Council, targets drivers across all vehicle categories with a focus on promoting safe driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance.
The campaign emphasizes the need for motorists to conduct regular tyre inspections, avoid vehicle overloading, ensure all lighting and indicators are functioning correctly, and refrain from storing flammable materials inside vehicles. These measures are designed to enhance road safety as travel increases across the country during the summer months.
Authorities highlighted that the campaign coincides with the start of the summer travel season, urging drivers to prioritize the roadworthiness of their vehicles and to comply strictly with traffic regulations. The Ministry of Interior underscored that tyre maintenance remains particularly critical due to the extreme heat conditions typical of the region, which can negatively affect tyre performance and safety.
Officials identified five main factors that contribute to tyre blowouts during the summer: vehicle overloading beyond tyre capacity, incorrect tyre pressure, driving at speeds exceeding tyre specifications, friction from contact with hot asphalt, and prior misuse of tyres, such as driving on unsuitable terrain. They warned that checking tyres alone is insufficient, advocating for comprehensive vehicle servicing, including inspections of engine oil, cooling fluids, and other key components.
This campaign builds upon the UAE’s previous “Accident-Free Summer” initiative launched in 2024, which also emphasized tyre safety, vehicle maintenance, speed limit adherence, and maintaining safe distances between vehicles. Authorities continue to stress that responsible driving behavior and compliance with traffic laws are vital to minimizing accidents and injuries during the peak travel season.
The Ministry of Interior’s broader objective with this campaign is to improve overall traffic safety standards by raising awareness across all segments of society and encouraging practices that reduce the risks associated with summer driving conditions in the UAE.