Telling road users to not let worn tyres be the third wheel this Valentine’s Day
TyreSafe, the UK’s road safety charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, is kicking off its February ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign, a light-hearted yet crucial reminder to all road users to prioritise regular tyre checks.
Despite an estimated three in five Brits parting with hard-earned cash to celebrate Valentine’s Day, a recent survey conducted in partnership with the RAC, revealed that only a third (33%) of drivers check their vehicle’s tyre tread at least once a month – the minimum recommendation by road safety experts. This concerning statistic highlights the real need for heightened awareness about tyre safety and maintenance, in addition to planning, shopping and spending on their better halves.
The RAC, which commissioned the poll with TyreSafe, warned that neglecting regular tyre checks significantly increases the risk of incidents and fines, in addition to causing untold unnecessary disruptions on UK roads. With National Highways reporting over 50,000 breakdowns on the UK’s A roads and motorways each year alone, appropriate tyre maintenance not only mitigates the risk of incidents causing injury, or worse, but also reduces the disruption and associated cost of unnecessary breakdowns. Which could put a real dampener on any Valentines’ date night.
TyreSafe’s latest campaign encourages drivers to ‘ACT’ on tyre safety, focusing on three simple yet vital areas:
Air Pressure: Highlighting the need to keep tyres adequately inflated to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Condition: Urging motorists to inspect their tyres regularly for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or other issues that might compromise safety.
Tread: Stressing the importance of maintaining sufficient tread depth for effective grip and braking.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said “Tyres are the only contact point between a vehicle and the road, yet they’re often overlooked. Our ‘Love Your Tyres’ campaign is a playful but timely reminder for road users to give their tyres the attention they deserve. By performing simple, regular checks, road users can help keep themselves, their passengers, and others safe while avoiding costly fines and breakdowns.”
TyreSafe has released a range of social media graphics, and hosts a wealth of downloadable guides for road users, all available in the resources section of its website. The campaign aims to empower drivers with the knowledge and tools they need to take proactive steps in tyre safety.
This February, show your tyres some love – it could save your life.