Emirates Driving Institute and Continental team up for tyre safety campaign

• Emirates Driving Institute to use educational video in new driver training
• Continental helping keep the UAE’s roads safe in line with its Vision Zero initiative

Dubai: A worrying lack of awareness about tyre safety has been highlighted in a new survey of young UAE motorists, conducted as part of a collaboration between Emirates Driving Institute (EDI), the largest and the most successful driving institute in Dubai and the Middle East, and German tyre manufacturer, Continental. The results, which feature in an education video, show that half of all respondents don’t know how to check tyre tread depth, while over half don’t check their tyres for cracks, bulges or damage.

Some of the key findings from the survey are highlighted in the video as well as on EDI’s own media channels. Through its support for the campaign, Continental is once again demonstrating its status as a key player in keeping drivers safe on the UAE’s roads.

The survey produced some interesting but worrying results, indicating that drivers often take their tyres for granted and don’t make the necessary checks. Of 400 18–30-year-olds resident in the UAE surveyed, 49 percent of respondents didn’t know how to check the depth of tread on their tyres, while 35 percent were unaware of the law relating to minimum tyre tread. Over half (57 percent) said they don’t check their tyres for cracks, bulges or damage; and five percent said they simply never check their tyres at all. Many didn’t know the age of their tyres (26 percent), while a further 22 percent acknowledged they don’t know the recommended tyre pressure for their vehicle.

Only 30% of the motorists questioned actually knew how to change a tyre, but most of those indicated they would need more training. Which is why Continental, whose Vision Zero initiative targeting zero accidents and zero fatalities on the world’s roads, was so keen to collaborate with EDI on educating young drivers in this area.

Mr Amer Belhasa, Chairman – EDI Group of Companies and Vice Chairman – Belhasa Group of Companies, said of the initiative: “It’s important to educate motorists from an early age, not only about essentials of driving on the roads but also the aspects of road safety. Including vehicle inspection and tire maintenance. Periodic basic checks can save hundreds of lives from fatal accidents. Emirates Driving Institute is therefore pleased to be teaming up as a partner with Continental in promoting road safety in line with our core values.”

Since its establishment in the UAE 30 years ago, Emirates Driving Institute has grown into the largest and the most trusted driving institute in Dubai and the Middle East. Over half a million students have successfully acquired their driving licences from EDI, who advocate safe driving on the public roads in Dubai. 

Mohammed Kalas, Continental’s Product Manager Middle East, pointed out in the video: “It’s easy to overlook your tyres but actually they’re your main point of contact between you and the road.” In the video he shares lots of tips on checking for general wear and tear of each tyre, including tread depth, looking for cracks or bulges and ensuring the pressure is correct. He goes on to show just how quickly small checks can be done and then demonstrates how to change a tyre.”

As an expert in its field, Continental has been making the roads safer for over 150 years, always aiming to generate greater safety awareness and help towards the Vision Zero goal.

Drivers can find out more about Continental by visiting https://ae.continental-me.com/en/

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2020, Continental generated sales of €37.7 billion and currently employs around 233,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Tyres business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tyre manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and posted sales of €10.2 billion in 2020 in this business area. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tyre production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost-effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the Tyres business area includes services for the tyre trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tyres.

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Salam Faisal
Performance Communications
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