Think, before you drive!
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More than two million motorists in the UK are putting their lives at risk by never checking their tyre pressure or tread according to the RAC Foundation launching a new survey today (11). This warning comes at the start of "National Think Before You Drive Month" which is launched by the RAC Foundation in association with the FIA Foundation, Bridgestone and supported by seven times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher.
The NOP Automotive* survey also showed:
Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres and worn tyres contribute to 10% of accidents in the wet. This problem is exacerbated as in spot checks it was found that one in three air pressure gauges in petrol stations were not working or had been vandalised. Petrol retailers should provide free, accurate and well-maintained tyre pressure gauges, according to the RAC Foundation after receiving complaints that gauges often are not working.
The NOP survey also found that:
A recent safety campaign carried out by the Tyre Industry Council revealed that ninety per cent of the cars they tested had under or over inflated tyres despite correct pressures being vital to safe handling, optimum steering, braking and grip.
Speaking at the British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher praised the Think Before You Drive! Campaign:
"Before every Formula One race I run through basic safety checks with my pit crew. And there are some simple tasks I always do to help me stay safe on the road. So I am pleased to support the road safety messages of the Think Before You Drive campaign.
"On the race track, the performance of my tyres can make the difference between winning and losing. On the road, the performance of your tyres could make the difference between living and dying. Check your tyre pressure and condition regularly and stay safe on the road.
"Three thousand people are killed on the world's roads every day. We can all do more to prevent these unnecessary and tragic deaths and injuries."
Edmund King, executive director of 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. All garages should provide reliable air equipment free of charge."
The RAC Foundation Tyre Pressure Fact File:
John McNaught, managing director of Bridgestone UK said:
"As the world's biggest manufacturer of tyres and rubber products, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to do everything possible to maximise safety. That includes working to acquaint customers with the basics of tyre safety and to inform them about the basics of routine tyre inspections."
The FIA Foundation is also urging European Governments to consider following the example of the United States by requiring that tyre pressure monitoring systems are fitted as standard on all new vehicles. The system can detect when a vehicle's tyres are 25 per cent or more below the recommended inflation pressure. The US Government estimates that, when all new vehicles are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring devices, around 120 lives a year in the US will be saved, and up to 10,000 injuries prevented. Other positive effects should include improved fuel economy and increased tyre life.
David Ward, director general of the FIA Foundation, said:
"If more drivers in the UK followed the simple advice in our campaign such as checking their tyres and head restraints then many unnecessary injuries and deaths could be prevented."
Your tyres are the only contact with the road
More than two million motorists in the UK are putting their lives at risk by never checking their tyre pressure or tread according to the RAC Foundation launching a new survey today (11). This warning comes at the start of "National Think Before You Drive Month" which is launched by the RAC Foundation in association with the FIA Foundation, Bridgestone and supported by seven times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher.
The NOP Automotive* survey also showed:
- 7% of motorists only check their tyre pressure and tread once a year
- 15% of women never check their tyres
- 13% only make checks when going on a long journey
- 4% make checks every journey
- 21% every week
- 49% once a month
Six per cent of all fatal motorway accidents are caused by the sudden failure of under inflated tyres and worn tyres contribute to 10% of accidents in the wet. This problem is exacerbated as in spot checks it was found that one in three air pressure gauges in petrol stations were not working or had been vandalised. Petrol retailers should provide free, accurate and well-maintained tyre pressure gauges, according to the RAC Foundation after receiving complaints that gauges often are not working.
The NOP survey also found that:
- Half of all women drivers do not know their recommended tyre pressure
- 85% 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
A recent safety campaign carried out by the Tyre Industry Council revealed that ninety per cent of the cars they tested had under or over inflated tyres despite correct pressures being vital to safe handling, optimum steering, braking and grip.
Speaking at the British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher praised the Think Before You Drive! Campaign:
"Before every Formula One race I run through basic safety checks with my pit crew. And there are some simple tasks I always do to help me stay safe on the road. So I am pleased to support the road safety messages of the Think Before You Drive campaign.
"On the race track, the performance of my tyres can make the difference between winning and losing. On the road, the performance of your tyres could make the difference between living and dying. Check your tyre pressure and condition regularly and stay safe on the road.
"Three thousand people are killed on the world's roads every day. We can all do more to prevent these unnecessary and tragic deaths and injuries."
Edmund King, executive director of 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. All garages should provide reliable air equipment free of charge."
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
John McNaught, managing director of Bridgestone UK said:
"As the world's biggest manufacturer of tyres and rubber products, we are keenly aware of our responsibility to do everything possible to maximise safety. That includes working to acquaint customers with the basics of tyre safety and to inform them about the basics of routine tyre inspections."
The FIA Foundation is also urging European Governments to consider following the example of the United States by requiring that tyre pressure monitoring systems are fitted as standard on all new vehicles. The system can detect when a vehicle's tyres are 25 per cent or more below the recommended inflation pressure. The US Government estimates that, when all new vehicles are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring devices, around 120 lives a year in the US will be saved, and up to 10,000 injuries prevented. Other positive effects should include improved fuel economy and increased tyre life.
David Ward, director general of the FIA Foundation, said:
"If more drivers in the UK followed the simple advice in our campaign such as checking their tyres and head restraints then many unnecessary injuries and deaths could be prevented."
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