The Road Safety Authority (RSA ) has expressed concern at driver attitudes to tyre safety, after a recent survey revealed that one in eight drivers have bought part-worn tyres in the past.
The survey of 1,000 motorists, conducted in November 2014, also showed that motorists are not checking their tyres regularly, despite knowing how to do it. Eight out of 10 drivers stated that they know how to check the air pressure of their tyres, yet one in 10 check this less than once a year or not at all. Similarly, one in eight drivers check the condition and tread depth of their tyres less than once a year or not at all.
Tyre safety, child safety, and cycling safety are the focus of this year’s Irish Road Safety Week, which will see a week of road safety activities taking place nationwide up to Sunday, October 11. In support of Road Safety Week, Irish Tyre Industry Association members will be providing free tyre checks to motorists at participating garages, especially on National Tyre Safety Day on Wednesday, October 7. Details are available on www.itia.ie
The RSA is reminding road users that roadworthy tyres must be the right type and size for the vehicle, be properly inflated, free from defects and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
Ms Moyagh Murdock, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, said: “We are concerned with the level of part-worn tyres being used on vehicles, some are on sale for as little as €10. When you consider that tyres are your only contact with the road, you really have to ask yourself is this the value you place on your family’s life?”
“The RSA is currently finalising a report, based on an analysis of forensic data that shows the quality of tyres plays a much bigger role in fatal collisions than previously thought. So it is really worrying that people are not prioritising safety when they purchase tyres. Your safety, along with the safety of your passengers and other road users, could depend directly on the condition of your vehicle’s tyres.”
A full list of activities taking place during Irish Road Safety Week is available on www.rsa.ie
