Defective tyres – one of the top five road safety dangers

Published 15th November 2007

According to a report from Hertfordshire police, defective tyres are one of the top five causes of death and injury on Hertfordshire roads. The report from the police mirrors the concerns expressed by TyreSafe and is supported by government figures which show that under-inflated and defective tyres are responsible for a third of all road crashes resulting in injury.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has made this information available to mark the start of a road safety campaign in the county in November following on from the successful Tyre Safety Month arranged by TyreSafe in October. During this month long campaign Hertfordshire police will be urging drivers and motorcyclists to ensure that they check the condition of their tyres to help keep safe on the roads this winter.

Research by Hertfordshire police has indicated that in their county, November is traditionally the worst month of the year for serious road collisions and the force has identified the top five factors: speed, drink driving, illness, fatigue and distraction, not wearing seat belts and tyres.

TyreSafe fully supports the comments made by Hertfordshire Constabulary's strategic road policing inspector David Partridge, "I think some people might find it surprising that tyres play such a significant part of road safety, and I hope that our campaign will encourage them to make checking their tyres an essential part of their vehicle maintenance routine".

The TyreSafe website www.tyresafe.org contains a variety of tyre safety information and tips to help keep motorists safe on the road. Research by TyreSafe shows that 12% of cars and vans on the road have at least one defective tyre, a further 12% of cars and vans have a tyre at below 2mm, whilst not illegal, in need of replacement says TyreSafe.

For further press information please contact Chris Wakley or Simon Wittenberg at Automotive PR on 020 7494 8050 mobile 07970 674612

Editors Note

TyreSafe is a not for profit, non commercial organisation set-up to promote tyre safety and raise the awareness of the dangers of driving on defective or badly worn tyres. Illegal and worn tyres are a contributory factor in many road collisions particularly in the wet. TyreSafe campaigns for good tyre husbandry - look after your tyres and your tyres will look after you.

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