Many Drivers ‘Fail to Check Tyres’

As many as two million motorists in the UK are putting their lives at risk by never checking their tyre pressure or tread, according to a survey launched by the RAC foundation today. The warning comes at the start of “National Think Before You Drive Month”, which is launched by the RAC Foundation in association with the FIA Foundation, Bridgestone.

The survey, conducted by NOP Automotive questioned 517 motorists and found seven per cent of motorists only check their tyre pressure and tread once a year and as many as 15 per cent of women drivers never their tyre pressures. Most motorists (49 per cent) claimed to check pressure every month. RAC Foundation statistics show that 6 per cent of fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under-inflated tyres, while worn tyres contribute to 10 per cent of accidents in the wet.

The think before you drive campaign is also supported by current Formula One champion Michael Schumacher who said: “On the race track, the performance of my tyres can make the difference between winning and losing. On the road, the performance of your tyres could make the difference between living and dying. Check your tyre pressure and condition regularly and stay safe on the road. 3000 people are killed on the world’s roads every day. We can all do more to prevent these unnecessary and tragic deaths and injuries.”

Bridgestone UK managing director, John McNaught added: “As the world’s biggest manufacturer of tyres and rubber productions we are keenly aware of our responsibility to do everything possible to maximise safety and to acquaint customers with the basics of tyre safety and to inform them about the basics of routine tyre inspections.”

The FIA foundation is also asking European governments to consider following the US example and insist that tyre pressure monitoring systems are fitted as standard on all new vehicles.

RAC Foundation executive director Edmund King said: “Tyre safety is not an optional extra. Tyres are the only contact that the car has with the road and therefore it is essential that they are not worn or under or over inflated.”