Motorway messages a ‘great reminder’ about tyre safety

TyreSafe has voiced its approval of new advisory messages shown on UK roads. The Highways Agency is displaying the slogan ‘safe tyres save lives’ on its overhead electronic advisory signs in bid to help reduce the number of tyre related incidents occurring on the nation’s road network. The Highways Agency’s choice of message may have been prompted by the more than 2,500 tyre related breakdowns reported by the agency in May and June alone.

“Tyre incidents can cause a host of problems for drivers, their passengers and other road users so it’s vitally important that motorists make regular tyre checks before travelling,” explains TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson. “The new message signs are a great reminder to drivers about the four small pieces of rubber that are responsible for them being able to brake or corner and arrive at their destination safely.”

Going beyond the four-word advisory message, TyreSafe says ensuring tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth requirements is one of the most recognised tyre safety checks a motorist can make, yet it also points out that checking tyre pressures and condition at least once a month is equally important.

“When tyres are under-inflated, they are much more likely to suffer from a rapid failure which can have potentially catastrophic consequences,” adds Jackson. “Furthermore, they will also wear out much quicker and even cause you to use more fuel.”

While prevention is better than cure, drivers who do have the misfortune to suffer from a puncture or other tyre related incident are advised not to make any attempt to repair the vehicle themselves on a motorway hard shoulder. Occupants should safely exit the vehicle, from the nearside door if there is heavy traffic on the road, and call the Highways Agency control centre or their recovery service from the emergency road side telephones, get to a place of safety and then wait for assistance.

“Motorway hard shoulders are an incredibly dangerous place, so should you have the misfortune of suffering a tyre failure, it’s vitally important that you treat your safety as a priority,” Jackson continued. “However, we’d reiterate that the easiest way to avoid such an issue is to regularly check your tyres at least once a month and before any long journeys.”

Drivers unsure of how to check their tyres can find more information on the tyresafe.org website or visit their nearest tyre specialist for a safety check.