20p Coin a ‘Life Saver in Your Pocket’: TyreSafe

The latest TyreSafe campaign materials are soon to be released on the not-for-profit organisation’s website in time for October’s Tyre Safety Month. Focusing on tread depth, the new resources will encourage drivers to check and replace any illegal tyres on their vehicle by introducing the theme of a ‘life saver in your pocket', which suggests that motorists can check the safety and legality of their tyres using the edge of a 20 pence coin. Materials are provided free of charge to the trade and include a reception poster, a point of sale leaflet, a website banner and a safety advice movie.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe states, “Tyre safety month provides the entire garage and tyre industry with a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of tyre safety. There are still far too many accidents and fatalities in the UK that occur as a result of illegal or unsafe tyres. By taking part in this month of concentrated activity, garages, tyre dealers and other organisations can help spread this vital safety message and help reduce the number of casualties and accidents on our roads.”

Current UK law stipulates that tyres on passenger cars must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its whole circumference. As well as significantly increasing the likelihood of being involved in an accident, drivers who flout these laws face fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

“Last year’s tyre safety month received fantastic levels of support from the trade and we hope to have even more participation this year,” adds Jackson. “As well as using our campaign materials we would encourage dealers to offer free tyre safety checks, to hold a tyre safety event in a busy supermarket or car park, or even run a competition or giveaway with their local newspaper or radio station. By creating as much awareness about the month as possible we hope the whole industry can make a valuable contribution to improving road safety.”

As well as working with garages and tyre retailers, TyreSafe will be working closely with other organisations such as the Highways Agency, insurers and breakdown organisations to help spread tyre safety messages to their own staff, customers and stakeholders. Organisations interested in taking an active part in tyre safety month can visit www.tyresafe.org or call 0845 301 6852.