TyreSafe has welcomed Lancashire County Council’s new resources aimed at educating older and mature drivers about the risks of deteriorating eyesight—and is urging drivers of all ages to consider their tyres as a critical component of overall road safety.
Developed by Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary, the new materials are being distributed across GP surgeries and libraries in the county to raise awareness about how poor eyesight can impact driving performance, particularly among the growing number of drivers aged 70 and over.
The initiative—detailed in full by Road Safety GB here—recognises the growing number of older licence holders and the increasing safety concerns associated with eyesight-related collisions.
TyreSafe is calling on motorists to remember that tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, and that tyre condition can either compound or help to mitigate the effects of impaired vision—especially when it comes to reacting quickly, cornering safely, and braking in time.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “We fully support Lancashire County Council’s initiative to raise awareness of the risks associated with eyesight deterioration and its impact on road safety. But eyesight is just one part of the equation.
Tyres play a fundamental role in how a vehicle responds—whether that’s stopping in an emergency, steering through a bend, or maintaining control in wet weather. If your tyres are worn, underinflated or damaged, they reduce your safety margin significantly.
For mature drivers in particular—who may already be facing slower reaction times or reduced visual clarity—it’s even more important to make sure your tyres are in top condition. Well-maintained tyres with the correct tread depth and pressure can make all the difference.”
The number of drivers aged over 70 has increased by more than 50% between 2014 and 2024, and today, more than 7 in 10 people aged 70+ hold a driving licence—compared to just 15% in 1975. TyreSafe is highlighting that as this demographic grows, so too does the need to ensure that vehicles are fit for purpose.
Key tyre checks include:
- Tread depth – must be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, but ideally 3mm for optimal wet braking
- Tyre pressure – should be checked monthly using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings
- General condition – look for any cuts, bulges, or signs of ageing
Lancashire’s initiative also includes ‘Travel for Life’ sessions—a short presentation aimed at residents aged 50 and over that covers driving safety, alternatives to driving, and road risk awareness.
Tony Crook, Road Safety Manager, Highways and Transport, Lancashire County Council, said, “It is vital to raise awareness to promote safer driving. We are seeing an increasing number of fatal and serious injury collisions on Lancashire’s roads with medical conditions of eyesight loss as a contributory factor.D rivers over the age of 70 must renew their licence every 3 years and must report to the DVLA if they feel they have any impairment. As a driver, we all have a responsibility to make sure that we’re fully fit and capable of driving safely and our health is an important factor. Sometimes, if we have a medical condition and/or are taking medications – we can’t drive. It should be obvious that we cannot be driving on the road. However, people need support to make a significant life change, seek family support or talk to your GP now. Having safe tyres could make all the difference if you are involved in a collision.”
TyreSafe encourages all drivers to complement these excellent initiatives with regular tyre checks and maintenance, or to ask a professional to inspect their tyres if they’re unsure.
For more tyre safety advice and free resources, visit: www.tyresafe.org
