Tyre Safety Month boosted by fewer casualties
Worn tyres can severely reduced stopping distances on wet roads. - Credit: supplied
Tyre Safety Month 2016 got off to a great start with positive news after the latest government analysis revealed a reduction in casualties resulting from tyre-related incidents on Britain's roads.
The Department for Transport's (DFT) Reported Road Casualties Great Britain (RRCGB) data for 2015 showed a 28% decrease in the number of people killed or seriously injured in tyre-related incidents with total casualties falling by 16.2% when compared with 2014 figures.
That equates to a 44% decrease in all casualties caused by tyre-related incidents since the inception of Tyre Safety Month's organiser, TyreSafe, in 2006.
While the news has been well-received, TyreSafe is urging drivers not to be complacent and ensure they carry out regular tyre checks. As revealed earlier this year by TyreSafe's survey of tyres at the point of replacement, in partnership with Highways England, there is evidence that the number of illegal tyres on Britain's roads this year will remain at 10 million or even increase. Driving with illegal tyres not only leaves the driver vulnerable to a £2,500 fine and three-point penalty but also far more likely to be involved in an incident.
Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: 'Tyre Safety Month's message this year is Don't chance it – check it.'
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According to the DfT's figures, the chances of being in a tyre-related incident which results in fatality or serious injury is highest in the South East region, where 16.3% of all incidents were reported, while London was lowest at 3.9%.
TyreSafe's annual Tyre Safety Month campaigns takes place every October to coincide with the onset of the worst of the British weather and acts as a focus for the UK's tyre safety awareness charity's year-round activities. TyreSafe's supporters activities include free tyre checks.
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To show their support, TyreSafe is encouraging motorists to take a photo of themselves while carrying out a tyre check and posting it either to facebook.com/tyresafeuk or use #TyreChecks on Twitter and include the charity's handle @TyreSafe.
For more information visit www.tyresafe.org
