[Jonathan Fry] Keeping a Grip on Safety

0 views

Skip to first unread message

Jon Fry

unread,

Nov 4, 2005, 11:00:44 PM11/4/05

to jonat...@googlegroups.com

More than two million motorists in the UK are risking the lives of their families by never checking their tyre pressures or tread according to the RAC Foundation.

At the launch of a two day tyre safety event today (4th) at the Fort Shopping Park in Glasgow, the Foundation will claim that Scottish drivers are among the most neglectful in the UK of their tyres – almost a third of cars and vans tested recently* had at least one defective or bald tyre.

Research has shown that defective or badly worn tyres are a contributory factor in many accidents. Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres while worn tyres contribute to ten per cent of accidents in the wet – conditions frequently prevalent during a Scottish winter.

Independent tests** recently concluded that cars show significantly increased stopping distances in the wet when the tread depth falls below 3.5mm – a vehicle with tyres with only 1mm of tread will take 60 per cent longer to stop on a wet road.

An NOP Automotive*** study carried out for the Foundation showed:

7 per cent of motorists only check their tyre pressure and tread once a year
15 per cent of women never check their tyres
13 per cent only make checks when going on a long journey
4 per cent make checks every journey
21 per cent every week
49 per cent once a month

Correct pressures are vital to safe handling, optimum steering, braking and grip but even when drivers try to check them they may encounter significant barriers. Spot checks carried out by the Foundation revealed that as many as one in three air pressure gauges in petrol stations were not working or had been vandalised. It is now calling for petrol retailers to provide free, accurate and well-maintained tyre pressure gauges after receiving many complaints that gauges are not working.

The NOP survey also found that:

Half of all women drivers do not know their recommended tyre pressure
85 per cent of male drivers claim to know their tyre pressure
Young drivers (17 –24) were least likely to know their recommended tyre pressures.
A quarter of high mileage drivers do not know their pressure

Scottish drivers are being invited to bring along their vehicles for a free tyre and winter safety check at the Fort Shopping Park today and tomorrow (Friday 4 and Saturday 5) between 10am and 5pm. The event is organised by the Tyre Industry Council and will also include help and advice on many aspects of safe motoring and simple preventative checks to avoid winter breakdowns while the police will be on hand to check the fitting of child safety seats. Full details can be found at www.tyresafety.co.uk

The clinic precedes this year’s tyre safety week which starts in Scotland on November 7. The police will carry out roadside tyre checks. The penalty for having a defective tyre could result in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points

Sue Nicholson, Head of Campaigns for the RAC Foundation said: “Tyre safety is not an optional extra. Tyres are the only contact that the car has with the road and therefore it is essential that they are not worn or under or over inflated. If you are unsure about tyres or other safety equipment, this is the perfect time to get them checked and put things right in advance of the winter.

“If more drivers in Scotland followed the simple advice given out at this event then many unnecessary injuries and deaths could be prevented.”

The RAC Foundation believes that a few simple steps by all who use, or are responsible, for the roads could make the UK roads much safer during the coming months. Committed to raising the profile of this topic, it is making lighting and tyres the issue of the month on its website www.racfoundation.org Drivers can help the Foundation build a better understanding of motorists’ opinions and behaviour by taking part in an on-line poll on the subject while getting more advice.

The RAC Foundation Tyre Pressure Fact File:

20 per cent under-inflation can increase tyre wear by 25 per cent
20 per cent under-inflation can reduce tyre life by 30 per cent
20 per cent under inflation can reduce fuel economy by three per cent
10% of cars are running on illegal tyres (under 1.6mm tread)
90% of tyres are incorrectly inflated
Tyre manufacturers estimate that three quarters of accidents caused by “blowouts” are down to incorrect pressures
Under-inflated tyres cause a reduction in the overall control of the vehicle and increased braking distances
Over–inflated tyres cause poor vehicle handling, reduced stability in braking, cornering and reduced grip
Drivers should check their tyres at least once a month

Research Material:
The RAC Foundation for Motoring is an independent body established to protect and promote the interests of UK motorists. Motoring organisation RAC supports its seven million customers with breakdown cover and a wide range of other motoring solutions.

*Tyre Industry Council
** Motor Industry Research Association
***NOP Automotive survey of 517 motorists 17 –19 June 2005

Web Sites:
AA Web Site & Breakdown Cover
RAC Web Site & Breakdown Cover

Related Articles:

Get an Online Motor Warranty Quote instantly with Warranty Direct - Unbeatable cover at a price you can afford.

Discovering how much it will cost to protect your car against unforeseen mechanical failure couldn't be simpler.

Warranty Direct not only sells the warranty but handles the claim as well - for a better warranty buy from Warranty Direct!

Reply all

Reply to author

Forward

0 new messages