AWARE: TyreSafe urge pressure checks
Tyre Safety Month is about to click into gear – and motorists are being urged to ensure their tyres are properly inflated.
The campaign, organised by TyreSafe, encourages drivers to make monthly checks on their tyre pressures to ensure they remain safe on the road and slash fuel bills.
Stuart Jackson, Chairman of TyreSafe, said: “As the nights start to draw in and the weather deteriorates, it’s essential that drivers ensure that their tyres are safe and fit for the winter ahead.
“The most basic inspection which should be carried out at least once a month, is simply checking that your tyres are properly inflated.
“Of course, tread depth and tyre condition are also important but to help drivers make these assessments, thousands of garages will be offering free safety checks throughout the month.”
Recent results from a pan-European survey involving more than 27,000 cars found 78% were being driven on under-inflated tyres.
Alarmingly, 28.4% had tyres that were either seriously or severely under-inflated, greatly reducing their safety on the road.
Recent figures show that in 2012, 194 drivers were killed or seriously injured in the UK as a result of illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.
Simon Sheldon Wilson, Director of Traffic Management at the Highways Agency, added: “England’s motorways and major A-roads are among the safest in the world.
“But it’s important that everyone plays their part in this by making sure their vehicle is roadworthy.
“Taking a few minutes to check your tyre pressures once a month – or before long journeys – helps to keep you, your passengers, other drivers and road workers safe.”
