Tyre incidents inspire new motorway messages
Closed lanes, tailbacks, delays, injury and even loss of life are just some of the tyre related consequences that have inspired a new set of advisory messages to drivers travelling on the UK’s motorways.
‘Safe tyres save lives’ is a new message being seen by drivers on overhead message boards in a bid to help reduce the number of dangerous tyre related incidents occurring on the UK’s road network. And with more than 2,500 tyre related breakdowns reported by the Highways Agency in May and June alone, it’s easy to see why tyre safety is such a priority.
“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 Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “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.”
While ensuring tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth requirements is one of the most recognised tyre safety checks, TyreSafe points out that checking tyre pressures and condition at least once a month is of equal importance.
“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. However, we’d re-iterate 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 website or visit their nearest tyre specialist for a safety check.
Notes
TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and worn tyres.
In 2009, TyreSafe was awarded with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in recognition of its achievements in raising awareness about the dangers associated with driving on defective and worn tyres.
TyreSafe supports the government’s ACT ON CO2 campaign which promotes Smarter Driving tips to help cut CO2 emissions from driving.
TyreSafe is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter which aims to reduce road fatalities.
TyreSafe is a supporter of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety which aims to make roads safer and save lives.
Useful Links
TyreSafe – www.tyresafe.org
Twitter – www.twitter.com/tyresafe @TyreSafe
Facebook – www.facebook.com/tyresafeuk
YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/TyreSafe
Flickr – www.flickr.com/tyresafe
PR Contact
Danny Rughoobeer
Red Marlin
danny@redmarlin.co.uk
T 01926 832395
M 07739 878365
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