Vehicles catching fire in the UAE totaled to a whopping number of 596, which resulted in four deaths and 35 injuries in the first half of this year alone, Khaleej Times has learned.

Major General Jasem Mohammed Al Marzoqi, Commander General of Civil Defense at the Ministry of Interior, revealed that the number of vehicles catching fire in the UAE during the first half of 2017 reached 596.

The UAE Civil Defense launched a vehicle safety campaign, 'Car Fire Hazards and Prevention,' as part of its tremendous initiatives, which help raise awareness for safety and security.

"The launch of the campaign is to raise the awareness for the UAE residents to insure they are safe inside their vehicles," Major General Al Marzoqi told Khaleej Times.

"It is important to inform drivers about the risks involved, fire prevention and protection, to avoid any further incidents occurring due to pure negligence."

The UAE Civil Defense has been working tirelessly during the summer season to raise awareness through various campaigns, which are promoted on their social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, in order to educate drivers, particularly the youth, who may lack awareness about the risks involved on the road.

Major General Al Marzoqi urged UAE motorists to be aware of what could happen to their vehicles during high temperatures, to have their vehicles and engines regularly checked and maintained by experts, and to immediately contact the Civil Defense for emergency.

The Civil Defense also advises all motorists to maintain a fire extinguisher inside their vehicle, a first aid kit, a flashlight to use in case of an emergency during the night, and insuring motorists use the warning triangle safety emergency reflective sign.

Motorists are also warned to not smoke cigarettes while their vehicles are refueling. Moreover, fuel tanks must be tightly closed to prevent gasoline leakage. Monitoring the daily rates of the cooling water and engine oil is also vital, advised Major General Al Marzoqi.

"I urge motorists to stay away from collisions and vehicles that are on fire, because it could cause the fire to rapidly spread."

"Do not leave flammable materials exposed at high temperatures inside the vehicles," he added.

Source: Khaleej Times