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Car accessory that emits flame finds many takers

DUBAI — Trendy, but dangerous car accessories are being sold in Dubai and Sharjah despite a ban imposed on such products.

A majority of the buyers consists of youths who want their cars to sound and appear like a roaring Ferrari.

And the latest addition to this is a device which when fitted into the silencer of the car, emits a flame up to one feet distance on the press of a button.

According to retailers selling car accessories in Dubai and Sharjah, the device has caught the fancy of the people with many turning up to the shops to grab one.

Aware of the hazards posed by the devices, shopkeepers agree that this device could turn up to be serious when it comes to a crowded place.

According to them, the flame which the device emits is enough to scare, shock and even hurt someone standing very close to the car.

“We cannot sell it in the open. These are additional parts and we could get into problem with the police if they catch us. But then the demand is very high. This particular device is of the size of a small rectangular or oval box. It has got a small tank in which one can fill in petrol or kerosene or any other lighting material. The box gets fixed into the mouth of the car silencer. There is a button with the driver in order to operate it,” said a car accessory seller based in Sharjah.

“Once the car ignition is turned on and the driver presses the button, the device emits a strong flame that goes up to one foot. This can be done at least three to five times before one needs to fill up the tank again. Such devices are common among the different Formula One cars. The price is also high and we are buying it at $600 from the US. But then it has not made a difference. The major buyers are the local youths who love speed and style. In fact I have sold more than 10 pieces in just 3 days,” he added.

“This is the latest craze. We don’t think it to be dangerous. But then it is bound to shock people. Another device which is equally popular is the laser light emitting switch. This one gets fitted into the gear box and once the switch is pressed, there are laser light inside the car. It looks good. This one also costs some Dh600. Both these things are selling like hot cakes for now,” said a shopkeeper.

Major Omer Ashoor from the General Department of Traffic of the Dubai Police said any person who modifies the vehicle without permission or uses items which endanger peoples’ lives such as devices which emits flames would be penalised.

He said the installation of such device is illegal and can attract legal action.

Regarding the withdrawal of such devices, he said the department had “no right to crackdown” on accessory shops, since the shops have the permission from the Economic Department and the devices could also be used for different purposes. He added that the driver themselves should comply with traffic laws and act responsibly by not opting for such devices.