Christmas, traditionally one of the busiest times of the year on the roads, is just over a week away, and TyreSafe has issued drivers a timely reminder about the importance of checking their tyres. It notes that the conditions that come with the hoped-for white Christmas are not the only driving conditions that car owners will need to treat with caution – damp roads can be just as hazardous, particularly if tyres are left unchecked.
TyreSafe has announced that its next industry briefing will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 19 September at the Ardencote Manor Hotel in Warwickshire. The organisation will use the occasion to unveil the latest materials and resources available for deployment in October’s Tyre Safety Month and to explain how delegates can get involved with the annual campaign. An update on TyreSafe’s ongoing part worn tyres campaign will also be given during the free event.
The UK is wet and it doesn’t look like drying any time soon; the country is suffering its wettest second quarter since records began in 1910. TyreSafe has reacted to the weather by publicising the necessity of adequate tyre tread to stay safe on wet roads. “Spring felt more like autumn this year with its unusually high rainfall, yet what it does show is that tyre tread depth should be checked regularly, whatever time of year, to make sure they can cope properly with wet roads,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe.
TyreSafe has sealed the deal on another new member. Tyre sealant supplier Air-Seal Products joined the tyre retailers and distributors, car manufacturers, insurers and public bodies promoting tyre safety already in the not-for-profit organisation. “Air-Seal Products will be a valuable addition to TyreSafe, says chairman Stuart Jackson. “Indeed, it seems particularly appropriate that Air-Seal should join TyreSafe as its products are designed to prevent punctures and have a heavy emphasis on making driving safer.
There was a positive start to the year for TyreSafe with the announcement of a new member – Adrian Flux Insurance Services is one of the UK’s leading motor insurance firms and the first TyreSafe member from the insurance sector.
Peugeot and Citroën have demonstrated their support of TyreSafe by becoming members, taking the number of vehicle manufacturers in road safety association up to 15. As members, they will seek to educate all of their existing customers about the importance of correct tyre maintenance, utilising both their own individual and TyreSafe campaign materials.
TyreSafe has advised motorcyclists that the extra weight resulting from a pillion passenger or pannier loads – common in holiday season – means that tyre pressures should be checked and adjusted accordingly against the bike manufacturers’ recommended levels. Under-inflation (or overloading) over a long period may cause rapid shoulder wear, excessive flexing and deterioration of the casing, which can pose a serious safety risk for bikers. Conversely, over-inflation may result in a reduced contact patch on the road and accelerated wear in the centre of the tread. The tyre could also be more susceptible to impact damage, as well as providing an uncomfortable ride.
York Tyre Sales has become the first independent tyre retailer to join the ranks of TyreSafe as an associate member, and the safety organisation hopes the recently-opened business will be just the first of many to come on board and participate in the wide range of campaigns TyreSafe operates.
TyreSafe has pledged its support for the UN’s “decade of Action for Road Safety” initiative, designed to combat the 1.3 million deaths occurring on roads around the world each year. The global campaign is calling upon governments and other organisations to take action and TyreSafe says it will support the campaign by educating UK road users about the importance of correct and regular tyre maintenance.
With rain showers forecast across much of the UK this coming Spring Bank Holiday weekend, tyre safety organisation TyreSafe is encouraging drivers to check the condition of their tyres before setting off. Drivers should ensure that their tyres have adequate tread depth to grip potentially slippery road surfaces and are properly inflated to carry any additional loads such as luggage or extra passengers.
The caravanning season is almost upon us and TyreSafe has updated its caravan tyre safety leaflet, revising the axle load and tyre inflation pressure tables. This update has been issued following technical discussions between the tyre industry and caravan manufacturers relating to the industry’s ongoing recommendation that the maximum vehicle load should not exceed 90 per cent of the combined tyre load capacity, as indicated by load index.
TyreSafe has reported on the risks associated with buying part worn tyres following revelations from Birmingham City Council that its trading standards officers examined a selection of part worn tyres being sold in the city and found that nine out of ten failed to meet the minimum legal standards. Among the failures uncovered were tyres with embedded nails, illegal tread depth, exposed cords, inadequate markings – and one tyre that was 17 years old. The investigation comes just weeks after TyreSafe found that more than ten per cent of drivers are more likely to buy part worn tyres compared with a year ago.
To coincide with the start of the 10th annual National Camping and Caravanning Week (29 May – 4 June), TyreSafe has launched a new section on its website dedicated to caravan tyre safety. The pages provide a host of technical tips and information aimed at helping to keep the record number of UK caravan owners safe and legal on the roads.
TyreSafe has made Bike Tyre Safety Month campaign materials freely available to motorcycle dealers, tyre retailers, specialist repairers and motorcycle accessory shops, enabling them to participate in April’s awareness-raising campaign. Bike Tyre Safety Month aims to highlight the importance of correct tyre care and maintenance at this critical time in the motorcycling season.
TyreSafe and RoadSafe have formalised a reciprocal agreement. The collaboration will see the organisations working more closely together, taking an active part in each other’s development and initiatives to reduce the number of casualties and accidents on the UK’s roads. TyreSafe has become a full member of RoadSafe meaning it will take a seat on its advisory panel, while RoadSafe has joined TyreSafe as an associate member.
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