Campaign emphasises transport companies’ role in truck maintenance and road safety.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Dubai Police, has launched a summer road safety campaign targeting truck drivers as well as transport and freight companies. Running from June to August, the initiative will be held at truck rest stops and along major roads across the emirate.
The campaign includes on-site awareness activities and workshops designed to promote safe driving, protect lives and property, strengthen compliance with traffic regulations, and emphasise the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. The RTA will also distribute educational materials outlining road safety requirements, tips to prevent traffic violations and accidents, and the need to inspect tyres and braking systems before every journey.
The campaign supports the RTA’s strategic objective of encouraging responsible road user behaviour to create a safer and more efficient transport system. The authority said it is deploying all available resources to facilitate truck movement during the summer in coordination with relevant agencies, while stepping up awareness efforts to reduce accidents and improve road safety.
The campaign also includes awareness videos featuring social media influencers, which will be shared across digital platforms, alongside targeted surveys to gather feedback from truck drivers and better understand their needs. The activities are being carried out at truck rest areas and along key routes, including Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, while road safety messages are also being displayed on electronic signboards across Dubai’s road network.
The campaign seeks to engage directly with truck drivers, raising awareness about key traffic safety requirements, particularly the importance of never stopping in the middle of the road due to the serious risk it poses to all road users. In the event of an emergency, drivers are advised to contact Dubai Police on 901 immediately.
The Director of Traffic said the initiative also encourages drivers to read and follow the Truck Safety Manual, developed by the RTA in three languages. A QR code linking to the manual has been printed on promotional items distributed during field visits and awareness activities. The guide covers essential topics, including pre-trip vehicle inspections, tyre safety, brake performance and the correct procedures to follow in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
The campaign also focuses on transport companies and truck operators, stressing their responsibility to carry out regular vehicle maintenance, ensure tyres are roadworthy, and confirm that trucks are fit for operation before they are deployed. It also encourages operators to ensure drivers take adequate rest breaks and avoid driving for extended periods without interruption.
As part of the initiative, the RTA partnered with Continental Tires to conduct two days of truck tyre inspections in Ras Al Khor, reinforcing the importance of vehicle safety and preventive maintenance.
Inspection and enforcement campaigns
Joint inspection teams from the RTA and Dubai Police continue to conduct monthly enforcement drives to ensure trucks comply with technical safety standards and to identify vehicle defects and traffic violations. The inspections are aimed at improving road safety and protecting all road users.
Key safety tips for truck drivers
The campaign urges truck drivers to:
- Inspect their vehicle thoroughly before every trip.
- Regularly check tyre pressure and tread depth.
- Ensure brakes, lights and indicators are functioning properly.
- Secure cargo to prevent it from shifting during transport.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Avoid distractions, including mobile phone use while driving.
- Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed to suit road and weather conditions.
- Check mirrors and blind spots frequently.
- Take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
- Use hazard lights and warning triangles during emergency stops.
- Avoid stopping in unsafe locations or where traffic flow could be obstructed.
- Plan journeys in advance and use designated truck routes.
- Stay alert to smaller vehicles around the truck.
- Report any mechanical faults immediately and ensure they are repaired before continuing the journey.
What to do if a truck breaks down
Drivers are advised to:
- Stay calm and slow down gradually.
- Move the truck to a safe location away from moving traffic, if possible.
- Turn on the hazard lights immediately.
- Place warning triangles at a safe distance behind the vehicle.
- Remain in a safe area away from traffic.
- Contact Dubai Police Operations by calling 901.
