[dropcap]T[/dropcap]yre Safety Month 2016 started on Saturday with positive news from the Department for Transport’s Reported Road Casualties Great Britain (RRCGB) analysis, which has revealed a reduction in casualties resulting from tyre-related incidents on Britain’s roads.
Released on Friday, 2015’s data shows a 28% decrease in the number of people killed or seriously injured in tyre-related incidents with total casualties falling by 16.2% when compared with 2014 figures.
That equates to a 44% decrease in all casualties caused by tyre-related incidents since the inception of Tyre Safety Month’s organizer, TyreSafe, in 2006.
While the news has been well-received, the event’s organizer continues urging drivers not to be complacent and ensure they carry out regular tyre checks. Despite the casualty rates falling there is no evidence that the number of tyre-related incidents, which do not result in fatalities or injury is decreasing, as this data is not captured in the DfT’s report.
As revealed earlier this year by TyreSafe’s survey of tyres at the point of replacement, in partnership with Highways England, there is evidence that the number of illegal tyres on Britain’s roads this year will remain at 10 million or even increase. Driving with illegal tyres not only leaves the driver vulnerable to a £2500 fine and three-point penalty but also far more likely to be involved in an incident.
Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe, said: “Tyre Safety Month 2016 kicks off with good news but motorists should not interpret those results as being an excuse not to carry out regular tyre checks. Tyres are a safety critical component on any vehicle and the only one in contact with the road, and while modern vehicles give occupants a far greater chance of surviving a collision – even walking away uninjured – well-maintained tyres will significantly reduce the risk of being involved in an incident in the first place. That’s why Tyre Safety Month’s message this year is Don’t chance it – check it.”
According to the DfT’s figures, the chances of being in a tyre-related incident which results in fatality or serious injury is highest in the South East region, where 16.3% of all incidents were reported, while London was lowest at 3.9%.
TyreSafe’s annual Tyre Safety Month campaigns takes place every October to coincide with the onset of the worst of the British weather and acts as a focus for the UK’s tyre safety awareness charity’s year-round activities. TyreSafe’s supporters initiate and participate in a diverse range of activities during the month and will offer free tyre checks as well as handing out the dedicated campaign materials.
To show their support, TyreSafe is encouraging motorists to take a photo of themselves while carrying out a tyre check and posting it either to facebook.com/tyresafeuk or use #TyreChecks on Twitter and include the charity’s handle @TyreSafe. Organisations wishing to participate have a comprehensive library available to them and should email theteam@tyresafe.org for further details on how they can help raise awareness of tyre safety.
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