Chief Fire Officers Association joins TyreSafe

TyreSafe has announced that the UK’s Chief Fire Officers Association has become the newest member of TyreSafe. CFOA’s National Fire and Road Safety Day takes place on Friday, 22 July where tyre safety will be heavily promoted. The nationwide event has two key messages: the dangers of driving too fast and also keeping a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. TyreSafe says tyres have an important role to play in both these areas. Fire Service staff will be found at motorway service stations, larger petrol stations, city centre locations and retail parks across the country throughout the day, distributing TyreSafe leaflets and provide advice to drivers.

CFOA, which represents every fire and rescue service in the UK, will also get behind a wide range of TyreSafe campaigns, highlighting the dangers of defective and worn tyres, and the importance of making regular tyre safety checks. Martin Dowle, community & road safety manager at Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service and spokesperson for CFOA, said: “We are delighted to get involved and support TyreSafe’s vital work as they undoubtedly have an important role in helping to reduce road casualties.

“Firefighters deal with some appalling scenes at road accidents, some of which could have been avoided if the tyres were in good working order. It only takes a few minutes to check tyres’ tread depth, inflation pressures and condition, but it’s time spent which could mean the difference between life and death.”

Peter Holland, president of CFOA said, “Over 22,000 people were reported killed or seriously injured on the UK roads. CFOA has a co-ordinated this National Road Safety Day to raise awareness of the two key messages around speed and distance. Far too often our fire crews are called to appalling road traffic collisions which are harrowing for both members of the public involved as well as our firefighters. We want to work with the public to do our best to reduce these numbers.”

Additionally, to help TyreSafe develop its campaigns further, CFOA will provide significant insight into the devastating consequences of poor tyre care and maintenance. It is hoped that this stark reminder will inspire more drivers to check their tyres regularly.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “CFOA is the professional voice for the Fire and Rescue Service so it’s great news to welcome it as a very important new member. When it speaks, people listen, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work closely together and help make our roads safer.

“However, we already have other public bodies, as well as many tyre and car retailers and manufacturers, all doing their bit to make the UK’s roads a safer place for everyone. Nevertheless, it’s also up to individual drivers to take responsibility. We recommend that tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journey. Tread depth is just as important and should be inspected at regular intervals.”

Related news:

• TyreSafe to launch quarterly briefings before industry
• TyreSafe advises on holiday tyre checks
• TyreSafe warns bikers of extra load problems
• TyreSafe gives Cumbria Police annual award