Hebron:The Director of the Ministry of Transport and Communications in Hebron, Hamza Al-Harbawi, has issued a warning about the dangers posed by vehicles that fail to meet technical safety requirements during the winter season. He highlighted that neglecting mechanical malfunctions or delaying maintenance of tires, brakes, and vision systems could turn vehicles into significant hazards for drivers, pedestrians, and road users.
According to Maan News Agency, Al-Harbawi announced the commencement of the winter vehicle inspection campaign in Hebron Governorate. This initiative is launched under the slogan 'Your safety depends on the safety of your vehicle,' following directives from the Minister of Transport and Communications and in cooperation with the police and other governmental and civil institutions. The campaign begins at 1100 AM in front of Al-Hussein Stadium, featuring awareness activities, vehicle inspections, and stickers for vehicles that pass the inspection. The inspection efforts will continue daily with traffic safety patrols alongside the police, based on field conditions.
Al-Harbawi emphasized that the winter inspection is not merely a regulatory procedure or a step to obtain a vehicle license but a moral responsibility to safeguard lives. He criticized the perception among some drivers that inspections are a financial burden, despite knowing their vehicles have defects. The primary goal is not just passing or failing the inspection but ensuring that vehicles are safe and do not pose a threat to their owners or others on the road.
He further explained that winter weather conditions present additional challenges for drivers, such as poor visibility due to rain, fog, and condensation, as well as water accumulation on roads. These conditions can increase stopping distances and the likelihood of accidents. The technical inspection should cover tires, brakes, steering systems, lighting, windshield wipers, defrosters, and water spray systems. He warned against neglecting seemingly minor malfunctions that could become dangerous with the onset of rain.
Additionally, Al-Harbawi issued a warning about incorrect traffic behaviors near schools and main streets in Hebron Governorate. He stressed that random stopping to drop off students and crossing streets away from pedestrian crossings endanger children's safety and cause traffic congestion. He urged students to use pedestrian crossings and designated bridges, especially in the Ain Sarah area, and called on parents to stop in appropriate places when dropping off children at schools.
He also advocated for increased traffic awareness concerning the use of roundabouts and pedestrian crossings to address the dangerous overlap between vehicle and pedestrian traffic in vital locations in Hebron. Al-Harbawi concluded by urging citizens to conduct necessary vehicle checks proactively, emphasizing that prevention and early maintenance can prevent accidents that threaten lives.