NTDA Awarded TyreSafe Awareness Prize

Tyresafe has given the National Tyre Distributors Association its tyre safety award for the NTDA’s contribution to raising public awareness of the importance of tyre safety. The NTDA was recognised for its contribution British Tyre Manufacturer’s Association (BTMA) Tyre Industry Dinner in Solihull on 26th September 2008. Rob Beddis, chairman of TyreSafe, presented the TyreSafe award to NTDA chairman Peter Gaster. The NTDA says that the award is a tribute to the association’s hard work and commitment to keeping Britain’s motorists safe on the roads.

“The NTDA has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of the importance of tyre safety and are worthy recipients of the TyreSafe award,” said Beddis. “NTDA members have given their full support to Tyre Safety Month, and have also been rigorous in running their own tyre safety campaigns, notably the recent tyre ageing campaign held in conjunction with the RAC Foundation, which reached out to motorists via TV, radio and press to raise awareness of the dangers of driving on over-aged tyres.”

Gaster expressed his happiness at receiving the award: “I’m delighted to receive the TyreSafe award on behalf of our members. The NTDA is fully committed to supporting the good work of TyreSafe in raising awareness of the dangers of defective tyres. NTDA members across the country are participating in Tyre Safety Month by offering free tyre safety checks and advice to local motorists.”

The award was presented at the start of Tyre Safety Month which runs throughout October. During the month, tyre dealers and garages will be running a number of initiatives such as free tyre checks, to help raise awareness about the dangers associated with incorrectly inflated or poorly maintained tyres. Figures released last week by the Department for Transport showed that in 2007, 43 lives were lost in accidents where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor and played a part in a further 984 accidents. Tyre Safety Month will focus on the importance of tyre pressure in vehicle safety, helping motorists to understand the dangers of under and over-inflated tyres, as well as raising awareness of how, where and when to check tyre pressure.

“Building on the success of last year’s Tyre Safety Month, we would encourage the tyre trade to show the same enthusiasm this year to help consumers understand the dangers of under and over-inflated tyres,” says Beddis. “There are plenty of opportunities for the trade to get involved and show their support.”