By An Executive Editor
This morning, territorial Police at Migyera Town Council in Nakasongola district, registered a single fatal accident, involving a taxi registration number UAX, 303F that was traveling from Masindi to Kampala.
The accident happened 10kms to Migyera Town.
It’s alleged that the Taxi had a tyre burst, and lost control, overturned – killing three people on spot: two female adults and one female juvenile.
The injured have been rushed to nearby health centres for first aid treatment.
History
Mbarara
On May 8, 2022 at 2:40pm in Mbarara, a taxi registration number UAZ 562G, had a tyre burst and injured 6 people.
Nakasongola
At 10:45am on May 12, 2022, a taxi registration number UBJ 707G had a tyre burst and injured 5.
Ssanga
On May 13, 2022 at 6:15pm at Ssanga, a Canter registration number UBH 462M had a tyre burst. There was an oncoming Toyota Rav4. When the canter had a tyre burst, it was veering off the road and to avoid a head-on collision, the Rav also went on the other side, both vehicles overturned on the opposite side, injuring 4 people.
Mubende
On May 13, 2022 at 3pm in Mubende, a taxi registration number UBG 984U had a tyre burst and injured 3 people.
Budaka
In Budaka on May 14, 2022 at 2pm, a taxi registration number UBK 522X had a tyre burst and injured 8 people
Pakwach
On May 14, 2022 at 3pm in Pakwach, Super Custom UBE 233P had a tyre burst and injured 3 people.
Mpigi
In Mpigi on May 15, 2022 at 5pm, a taxi registration number UBJ 231G had a tyre burst and injured 5 people.
Traffic and Road Safety Directorate Speaks Out
According to the Directorate Spokesperson ASP Faridah Nampiima, fake and retreaded tyres are largely to blame for accidents arising from tyre bursts.
“There are several technical facts about tyres which us as law enforcement officers owe to know. Your tyre’s sidewall contains all the data about your tyre. There are a series of numbers and alphabets on the sidewall. These numbers represent the size, the load bearing capacity and speed limit of your tyre. Understanding these code words will help you choose the perfect set of tyres for yourself, according to the demand of your vehicle and your driving style,” ASP Nampiima says.
For example, ASP Nampiima says, your tyre sidewall marking says, 195/55 16 R 87V. This, she says, means:
195 – Section Width – It is the tyre width in mm. It is measurement of the sidewalls of a tyre that starts from the surface where it connects with the rim to the part where the tread begins.
55 – Aspect Ratio – It is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tread width. Here, an aspect ratio of 55 indicates that the section height of the tyre is 55% of the section width of the tyre.
R – Construction – R represents the Radial contruction of the tyre. You will also find the letter B written on several tyres that represents the cross ply construction type. However, radial tyres are the most popular ones. Read more about different types of tyre
16 – Rim Diameter – It is the inside diameter of the tyre. It indicates the diameter of the rim or rim height and is measured in inches.
87 – Load Index – It is the maximum weight limit that a tyre can carry. It is represented by a two digit or three digit numbers. For example, if the load index given on the tyre is 95, then it depicts that the tyre is capable of carrying a maximum load of 690 kg. This conversion from load index to load in kg is determined by look-up table. Read more about the Load Index.
V – Speed Rating – It is the maximum speed that the car can maintain with the given tyres and is denoted by English Alphabets. For example, if a tyre has got a “S” rating then it can reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h.As with the load index, each letter corresponds to an equivalent in Read more about tyre speed rating.
“One doesn’t need to wait until wires/plies or water melon impressions are exposed to know the tyre is worn out. Once the treads are in level with a tread wear warning, the tyre is dangerous as one with exposed wires,” ASP Nampiima notes.
ASP Nampiima says retreaded tyres are not allow for tyres marked P (passenger) and can only be retreaded on those marked C (commercial vehicles) and only if specified manufacturer and qualified tyre retreader.
