Gulf News launches second UAE Summer Road Safety Campaign amid rising accident toll

Gulf News launches second UAE Summer Road Safety Campaign amid rising accident toll

Gulf News has launched the second edition of its UAE Summer Road Safety Campaign, partnering with InsuranceMarket.ae and Michelin to address mounting concerns over road safety as the country faces soaring temperatures and increasingly demanding driving conditions.

The campaign arrives as recent statistics reveal a troubling upward trend in road incidents. The UAE recorded 6,014 major road accidents in 2025, marking a 23% increase from 4,898 accidents in 2024. Injuries and fatalities rose 20% to 7,947 people, while road deaths climbed from 343 in 2022 to 352 in 2023 and 384 in 2024, with nearly one-third of victims in their twenties.

Contributing to the rising accident figures, authorities issued 558,191 new driving licenses in 2025 while 853,411 new vehicles joined UAE roads, creating increased traffic density and complexity.

Running until the end of August, the 360-degree campaign will deliver practical advice, expert insights, videos and digital content addressing tyre care, vehicle maintenance, defensive driving, emergency preparedness and insurance protection.

Summer heat intensifies vehicle risks

The timing reflects the unique challenges UAE summers present to motorists and vehicles. Road temperatures can climb almost 20 degrees Celsius higher than air temperatures due to sun exposure, placing extraordinary stress on tyres. Cabin temperatures in parked cars can soar beyond 70°C while asphalt bakes tyres from below.

These extreme conditions have real consequences. Authorities tracking accident causes reported that tyre bursts caused 25 accidents during recent periods, underscoring the importance of proper tyre maintenance during summer months.

The campaign aligns with broader government safety initiatives. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority launched a summer awareness drive in June 2026 as part of the Ministry of Interior's annual Safe Summer campaign, urging motorists to check tyres, air-conditioning systems and coolant levels.

Prevention through awareness and preparation

InsuranceMarket.ae, one of the UAE's largest insurance brokerage firms with over 200,000 policyholders, emphasizes that road safety extends beyond financial protection to encompass informed decision-making and preventive action.

Road safety begins with the choices we make every day. While insurance provides peace of mind when the unexpected happens, no policy can replace a life or undo an accident. That's why prevention must always come first. Responsible driving, a well-maintained vehicle, and appropriate insurance cover work together to protect what matters most, so that every journey ends with everyone arriving home safely.

Avinash Babur, Founder and CEO of InsuranceMarket.ae, said the company views prevention as the strongest safeguard against road incidents.

Human factors remain central to accident causes. Ministry of Interior behavioral analysis shows carelessness accounts for 38% of road accidents in the UAE, while speeding is responsible for 13.1%. A study by Road Safety UAE found that 55% of UAE motorists admitted to being distracted by mobile phone use while driving.

Technology and awareness working together

Michelin views tyre safety as part of a comprehensive approach combining innovation, driver awareness and responsible road use, with tyres serving as the only point of contact between vehicles and roads.

Cédric Binoit, Managing Director and Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Michelin MENA, stressed that technology advancement must be matched by everyday driver decisions.

As the UAE continues to advance smarter mobility, road safety must evolve with the way people move every day. At Michelin, we believe technology and awareness must work together. Tyres are becoming more advanced, vehicles are becoming smarter, and infrastructure is becoming more connected, but safer roads still depend on everyday decisions made by drivers, pedestrians and all road users.

Through the partnership, Michelin aims to reinforce education around tyre safety, preventive maintenance and responsible driving during the region's demanding summer conditions.

The campaign reinforces that road safety represents a shared responsibility beginning with preparation, awareness and everyday choices before motorists get behind the wheel.