RIYADH, 3 January — The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) has laid down guidelines for motorists as part of a drive to promote road safety in the Kingdom.
Dr. Khaled Y. Al-Khalaf, director general of SASO, told Arab News that the guidelines became necessary following a spate of road accidents during Ramadan and the Eid holidays in the Kingdom.
His statement comes in the wake of a study conducted by the traffic safety department, according to which tire bursts are a major cause of car accidents in the country. During this year's summer holidays, 146 accidents were caused by tire bursts, the study said. There were 75 overturns, 62 crashes and nine head-on collisions resulting in 22 deaths and 113 injuries in just 80 days.
The SASO guidelines relate to the selection of tires, temperature control and the date of manufacture. Tires bearing the 'S' mark are capable of withstanding a speed of 180 km/h, while those with 'T', 'H' and 'V' marks are meant for a maximum speed ranging from 190 km/h to 210 and 240 km/h respectively.
As for the load-bearing capacity, SASO said every tire carries a number indicating the maximum load it can bear. For instance, the tires showing the figures 100 and 120 are capable of bearing a load of 800 kg. and 1,400 kg. respectively.
Dr. Al-Khalaf stressed the importance of selecting tires suitable for high summer temperatures in the Kingdom. He added that people often tend to ignore this. "While changing the tires it is necessary to abide by the instructions in the car manual regarding the tire size."
Citing a case in which the recommended tire size was 225/70 R15 100 H, the director-general said the vehicle owner fixed an unsuitable tire of 225/70 R15 99 T, in which the speed indicator 'T' and the load-bearing factor 99 were below the permissible limit. "On the contrary, if the tires are of higher specifications than those recommended, no damage is likely," Al-Khalaf said.
He pointed out that with regard to temperature the tires are divided into three categories -- 'A', 'B' and 'C', depending on their capacity of heat tolerance. The 'C' category tires are meant for low -- temperature areas, while the Kingdom's climate dictates the need for using 'A' category tires.
As for the date of manufacture, the director-general explained that each tire carries a three-digit number. The first two digits indicate the week, while the third refers to the year of manufacture. For instance, the figure of 159 on a tire means that it was manufactured in the 15th week of 1999. Similarly, the figure 1900 denotes the 19th week of the year 2000.
The SASO chief cautioned motorists against exceeding the permissible speed limit, driving over sharp and protruding objects, and skidding to a halt. The tyres should be checked periodically, he added.
