‘We are pleased that the number of fatalities or serious casualties coming from a tyre-related accident has fallen, but this is no time for complacency,’ said Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. ‘We are seeing an increased number of drivers who are willing to run their tyres right down to the legal limit in an attempt to save money, and this will reduce their safety on the road. While we’ve been successful in helping to remove the most dangerous tyres from the road, average tread depths on cars have reduced recently which has contributed to an actual increase in number of drivers suffering slight injuries.’
The release of the DfT figures comes just days ahead of October’s tyre safety month, which this year is focused on the importance of checking tyres at least once a month, not only to improve safety but also to reduce tyre wear and save money on fuel bills.
To reinforce the message, thousands of garages and tyre dealers across the UK will be offering free tyre safety checks during October. Checks will include ensuring tyres has adequate tread depth, tyre pressures are set correctly and that the tyres are in a safe condition, free from any cuts, bulges or other hazards that could pose a serious safety threat.
‘As the latest figures show, driving on illegal or dangerous tyres can result in paying the ultimate price. Regular tyre checks only take a brief moment yet they could be the most rewarding few minutes you ever spend. Of course, if you’re in any doubt, then call into one of the many garages who will be offering free tyre safety checks this October,’ concluded Jackson.
