Tyre Safety Month - October 2009

This October, TyreSafe is highlighting the dangers of driving on tyres which have insufficient tread depth, making them both illegal and dangerous.

Lifesaver in your pocket

Checking the tread depth of your tyres may be a lot easier than you think. Inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyres gives you a good indication of whether your tyres have sufficient tread depth. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible when inserted into the tread, your tyres may be illegal and you should have them checked by a qualified tyre specialist. If the outer band is not visible on the coin, then your tyres have a tread depth well above the legal limit.

The Law

The current law states that tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre, around its whole circumference. Drivers with tyres that fail to meet these standards face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

The dangers

Vehicles fitted with tyres that do not have the legal amount of tread pose a danger to the driver of that vehicle and to other road users. Stopping distances are increased, cornering ability is reduced and the likelihood of aquaplaning is increased, all as a result of illegal tread depth.

Getting involved

Tyre retailers, garages, fleets and many other organisations will be taking part in tyre safety month and promoting the `lifesaver in your pocket`. A range of FREE materials are available to promote this key safety initiative and help make the UK's roads safer.

Posters – 'CHECK YOUR TREAD' posters are available to download Print it out and display prominently.

Leaflet – Download and print our campaign leaflet explaining the importance of tyre tread depth and how to check this by using a 20p coin.

Press Advertising Template – Take part in the nationwide campaign by running this ad in your local press. Add your own company's details to get motorists to visit you. A limited amount of printed material is available by calling 0845 301 6852.

Download Tyre Safety Month 2009 campaign material here