TYRE SAFETY
As part of its ongoing commitment to raising public awareness of tyre safety, TyreSafe is giving away 20 motorcycle tyre puncture repair kits as part of April’s bike tyre safety month. The promotion is open to all new subscribers to TyreSafe’s free monthly e-newsletter during April, with their details entered into the prize draw. Winners will be selected randomly at the end of the month.
Sales of “potentially lethal” part worn tyres are on the increase, according to a National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) survey. The report follows earlier research conducted by TyreSafe, tyre industry’s safety body, which said part worn tyres "pose a significant safety hazard to drivers and other road users." The consensus remains that there are around 2 million part worn tyres sold in the UK passenger car replacement tyre market each year.
The 2010 survey reveals that most NTDA members are reporting an increase in the sales of part worn tyres in their area (65%), with the remaining 35 per cent describing the market as 'static'. Only 6 per cent of respondents said that there were no part worn dealers in their vicinity, while 71 per cent said that there were between one and 10 dealers in their area.
In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a final rule regarding a proposed tyre efficiency consumer information programme. This document establishes the test procedures for tyre manufacturers to use in a new consumer information programme intended to provide consumers with comparative information on fuel efficiency, safety and durability when purchasing replacement passenger car tyres. The programme, when fully implemented, will offer information both at the point of sale and online.
The European Road Safety Charter was established by the European Commission in 2004 with the aim of halving the number of road deaths within the EU. The following year Bridgestone Europe signed an agreement to support the charter, and has now opted to extend its support for a further three years. Bridgestone says its new charter agreement will be backed by a proactive programme of tyre safety checks to educate motorists on the importance of correct and regular tyre maintenance.
One in 10 drivers is more likely to buy part worn tyres compared with 12 months ago, according to new research conducted by TyreSafe. In response to the findings the tyre safety group warned that not only are part worn tyres false economy, but they could pose a significant safety hazard to drivers and other road users and “the number of tyre related deaths and accidents on the UK’s roads could be set to rise.” In 2008, illegal, under-inflated or defective tyres contributed to the deaths of 34 drivers and the injuries of more than 900 other motorists.
TyreSafe’s research found that as many as one in six drivers had bought part worn tyres for their car at some point. It also found that younger drivers are much more likely to compared with older drivers. One in five drivers aged between 18-34 said they were more likely to buy part worn tyres compared with 12 months ago, whereas only one in twenty drivers aged over 55 said they were more likely to buy part worns.
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 has warned motorists that replacing their vehicle’s run-flat tyres with standard tyres could pose a safety hazard. The tyre safety organisation is concerned that attempts to reduce vehicle maintenance costs by selecting tyres which do not incorporate the added technology and features found in run-flat tyre could lead to drivers inadvertently yet significantly changing the handling characteristics of their vehicle, increasing the chance of being involved in an accident.
More than 750 people got to experience sitting behind the wheel in an F1 car recently, courtesy of National Tyres and Bridgestone. National Tyres held four roadshows at the end of last year in several locations up and down the UK including Grimsby, Glasgow, Cambridge and Plymouth. The roadshows were held at local Sainsbury’s stores and showcased Bridgestone’s replica Formula One car and driving simulator. For a small charity donation, visitors were able to get up close and personal and have their photo taken in the replica car, as well as testing their driving skills on the simulator. The events raised nearly £800 for designated charities. Tim Lee, national account executive at Bridgestone, said: “We have worked alongside National Tyres at a number of events up and down the country. The roadshows were a huge success and we are thrilled to have helped raise so much money for the local charities. We are hoping to carry out more roadshows this year to educate more drivers about tyre safety, as well as raising even more cash for good causes.”
One of India’s largest tyre manufacturers has released a statement looking at the link between the 250-plus deaths that occur on the country’s roads every day and the recently observed statistic that 75 per cent of vehicles run on incorrect tyre pressure. Apollo Tyres’ survey found that amongst 36,000 tyres tested over six months, “only 22 per cent of cars… had with the OE recommended inflation.” The company suggests that while the winter season sees the highest number of road accidents, with “fog, cold, roadside revelry and…drinking and driving… the major causes”, perhaps incorrect tyre pressure should also be addressed as part of the problem. Apollo began the self-titled “Safe Drive” programme in 2006 “to educate and create awareness on the benefits of proper tyre care among passenger car and commercial vehicle users.”
Nearly three million motorists have had a run-in with another vehicle during the recent winter weather, according to research by Continental Tyres. One in 10 drivers are said to have crashed into cars in the last month during the snowy and icy weather. 45 per cent said they had two or more near misses over the cold snap. The average motorist involved in a prang has done £320 worth of damage – but a third failed to own up to their wrong-doing if the accident was their fault. Another 34 per cent avoided involving their insurance company in order to keep their ‘No Claims Bonus’.
Now the snow is beginning to recede and the freshly potholed roads are being revealed, TyreSafe is advising motorists to ensure their wheels are properly aligned. Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle’s steering and suspension geometries or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the effects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible.
A Stafford man has won a Fiat 500 in a promotion to encourage road safety. At the end of 2009 all Arnold Clark Service Departments throughout the UK ran the campaign focusing on tyre safety, offering free tyre checks and entering people into a competition to win a brand new Fiat 500. The competition was set up in conjunction with six leading tyre manufacturers: Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin and Pirelli. The competition aimed to encourage motorists to increase their road safety by purchasing a premium brand tyre. On the purchase of a premium tyre they were entered into the prize draw to win the Fiat 500.
This winter has brought the severest conditions experienced for some years, and this has been bad news for many UK motorists – but good news for Goodyear. The tyre maker reports its use of the snow and ice as a springboard to educate motorists on the importance of road and tyre safety. While gaining media interest in tyres is usually a challenge, Goodyear says that, with driving and safety at the top of the agenda, it has been provided with a “good opportunity”.
One in three motorists admits they will drive this winter without being able to see out of their windscreen properly, according to research by Continental Tyres. This will mean 6 million close calls on our roads this winter, as nearly two million drivers were close to crashing at least three times in the last year because their windscreen wasn’t clear before setting off. Researchers found most motorists think they are 'in too much of a rush' to fully defrost their windows and mirrors before heading off to work. It also emerged men are far worse than women at pulling off the driveway while peering through a tiny spot of clear glass at the road ahead.
Old Man Winter’s seasonal visit is upon us, and arriving with him are the year’s most loathsome driving conditions. With snow predicted in the coming days, Protyre has delivered a couple of timely tips to help keep control in difficult driving conditions:
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